mahurangi matters, 13 january 2016, education feature

educationfeature18 Mahurangimatters January 13, 2016

education2016 FEATURE

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Schools across the Mahurangi area will re-evaluate their outdoor education programmes this year in light of new legislation, which takes effect on April 4.The new Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) is part of a reform package aimed at reducing the number of serious work-related injuries and deaths in New Zealand by at least 25 per cent by 2020.While there is agreement on the intent of the Act, educators are concerned at the impacts it could have on school sports, camps and other outdoor activities.If accidents happen, the responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of the principals who could face fines of up to $600,000 or five years imprisonment, which they can’t insure themselves against.Principals Federation president Denise Torrey is quoted as saying that teachers should be safe from punishment if they follow good procedures. But she said the mere possibility of stiff penalties could have a chilling effect.“There are a whole list of things that could be potentially curtailed because people become risk-averse. And that’s a risk – that we become so risk-averse that we wrap our children and our staff in cotton wool and they can’t do anything.”Other educators have called for more clarity about the law changes, while

Health & Safety changes threaten school activities

David Macleod

others are concerned about the extra administration that will be involved.Mahurangi College principal David Macleod says outdoor education is too important to be abandoned, but admits the new legislation is “scary”.“We’re already very, very thorough in our Risk Analysis Management Systems (RAMS),” he says. “Staff always do a full reconnaissance site visit prior to a camp and every precaution is taken to identify any potential risk. But it is very difficult to mitigate against all risk – the very nature of these outdoor experiences is about taking risks. The legislation just adds another dimension of worry for the school.”Mr Macleod said a Year 9 camp at the end of last year gave the school a taste of the liability worries that are ahead.During an overnight hike, a student became ill from an infected scratch and the teachers in charge set-off an emergency beacon. A helicopter was dispatched and the student spent a couple of days in Tauranga Hospital

recovering. Mr Macleod says because the school party was out of phone range, he was not advised of what the problem was until the emergency services rang back.“This could have been a really bad scenario. If it was deemed that we had not taken adequate precautions, then under the new Act we would have been liable.”Mr Macleod says he has no intention of curtailing outdoor education at this stage.“We’re a NZ school raising Kiwi kids, and this is part of a Kiwi education. We run camps for Years 7, 8 and 9, and a five-day Year 13 camp on Great Barrier Island, as well as offering it as a subject for seniors. It’s extremely beneficial and we will do all we can to retain it.“But, there will always be accidents and if the law comes down hard on principals, then it could spell the end of outdoor education in schools.”Wellsford School principal David Bradley says it’s a pity that schools are being treated like businesses, as if they are profit-based and trying to cut corners to save money.“Schools are about giving children life experiences with a measured amount of risk, which is managed as carefully as possible. But, accidents do happen and is it fair to hold the principal

personally responsible?”Mr Bradley says in some ways the legislation may make schools safer, in terms of liability, simply because they will do fewer things that involve risk.“But it won’t make children safer. If you climb a tree and fall out, then you learn not to go higher than you have the competence to manage. Without that sort of experience in a controlled environment, the resulting accident could be worse because the kids have under-estimated the risk. We’re trying to wrap the kids in cotton wool, but it’s not in their long-term best interests.“We have a bike track at school and we’re building a BMX track, and we’re deliberately putting in hills and bumps – under this new legislation I question whether we will be able to keep it.”Mr Bradley says at a recent Combined Principals meeting, the feeling was that schools would do less and less outside the classroom because principals and Boards of Trustees wouldn’t want to carry the risk.“Trips away and camps are a traditional part of a Kiwi education, but this looks set to change. Even if you think of athletics – the kids are throwing javelins, shot puts and discus, and jumping into sandpits. What happens if something goes wrong and should the school be held responsible?”

educationfeature 19MahurangimattersJanuary 13, 2016

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Students at four Mahurangi primary schools will take part in a $180,000 project, which aims to mobilise communities to eradicate pests in Rodney.The Forest Bridge Trust, in partnership with the University of Auckland, received a $150,000 grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in November. The trust is developing a community education programme called CatchIT Communities, which involves students using apps and computer programmes to map the progress of their own pest control projects.The course was trialled at schools in Kaipara Flats, Tauhoa and Tomarata last year. Students were given trapping equipment to use at home and the effectiveness of different baits, traps, and locations was analysed in the classroom.The University of Auckland is developing a computer programme, which will allow students to easily present trapping results in graphs and maps. The software will be used in tandem with a new app developed by the Department of Conservation which lets trappers log data in the field, such as what pest was caught and where.The programme will be trialled at schools in Warkworth, Matakana, Leigh and Ahuroa. Trust advisor Liz Maire says the support for the project has been heartening.“It’s gone from a little idea to something that’s growing rapidly,” Liz says. “The ability to get accurate statistics will be a hugely valuable resource for achieving the trust’s goal

of creating a pest-free corridor from coast to coast in Rodney.“Using these computer programmes we will be able to help the students learn things like what the best bait is for rats or the best place to put a possum trap. Eventually we could create a nationwide database with good stats on how many pests are being trapped and where, so we could track conservation gains across the country.”The trust has also received $25,000 from the Rodney Environmental Natural Heritage Funding and $5000 from Rodney Local Board to roll out the programme.The University of Auckland software will be finished by July and the intention is to make it free for trapping groups to use.The trust is also holding pest control workshops early this year to get communities involved in eradicating pests on their land.“We will have trapping experts who will give advice to help people control pests and we will have traps to give away.”Mahurangi College is also getting on board with the project.“We are talking with the technology department about having students build rat traps as part of their course.”Another side of the trust’s strategy involves working with landowners to fence off forest and conduct pest control on their land. It received $24,700 from the Rodney Environmental Natural Heritage Fund to fence off Significant Ecological Areas and riparian bush in the Hoteo catchment.

Classrooms zero in on pests


COURSES FOR TERM ONE 2016 – WARKWORTH & WELLSFORD

Mum’s Post-Natal Support Group Weds 20 January 10.30am-12.30pm 13 wks FREECome along for a cuppa and a chat with this friendly group. Meet other mums, make friends and gain strength every week. Facilitated by Maria CollinsYoung Mum’s Educational ProgrammeThurs 21 January 10am-12.30pm 13 wks FREEFor mothers up to 25 years to encourage positive parenting, behaviour management skills & strategies for raising happy & healthy children. Runs weekly at the Plunket Rooms, Wellsford. Facilitated by Maria CollinsPersonal DevelopmentTues 9 February 10am-12.30pm 10 wks FREEA weekly support group for women that encourages learning, sharing, mindfulness and inner-growth in a confidential and caring environment. Facilitated by Heidi DowneyCareer Development & Job SearchSat 27 Feb 10.00am-3.30pm, Warkworth & Sat 2 April, Wellsford Library FREEA workshop for women returning to work or changing career, including creating a career plan and a CV, job search, interviews, assistance with clothing and more. Tutor: Fiona Brading, People Architects

Computer Training: Basic or Intermediate WordFri 19 Feb, 8 weeks 9.15am to 11.15am FREEIncrease your Word computer skills for job search with the Basic level course where you will need some computer experience or the Intermediate level if you have basic skills. (Windows 10) Tutored by Senior Net, WarkworthClay SculptureSat March TBC 9.30am to 3.30pm Cost $35 An introductory workshop. Create an indoor or outdoor clay ornament. It will be fired so you can paint it at a later date. Supported by Creative Communities Tutor: Vivienne PatersonFlax-Weaving/HarakekeSat April TBC 9.30am to 3.30pm Cost $35If you have basic flax-weaving skills, come along to this workshop and make a waikawa/basket. You will also make and hand-dye flax embellishments to add to your work. Supported by Creative Communities. Tutor: Kathy StevensonCounselling: Low Cost Sessions Safe, supportive, low cost sessions available by appointment. Conditions apply. Please contact the Women’s CentreMassage for Women: $55 for 1 hour Available on Tuesday afternoons by appointment. Please contact the Women’s Centre.

Bookings essential: Contact us on 09 425 7261 or 0800 2DROPIN (0800 237674)Email: [email protected] • www.womenscentrerodney.org.nz

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Thirty Year 10 students from Mahurangi College not only met the Prime Minister, but also witnessed one of last year’s most controversial protests by MPs, when they visited Parliament late last year.The school’s first trip to Wellington coincided with John Key accusing Labour of “backing rapists” over the Australian detainees issue and the students were in the House the following day when a group of female MPs walked out in protest over the Prime Minister’s remarks.Student Julia Caulfield, who was instrumental in suggesting and organising the Parliamentary visit, said the three days in the capital had been “amazing and life-changing”.“We were there when the women walked out,” she said. “It was very powerful, especially as there were mostly girls on the trip.”However, she was less impressed

with John Key and Andrew Little’s behaviour during Question Time. “It was literally like watching two big babies fighting, using the types of insults they did.”As well as a private meeting with the PM in his office, the students had a special tour of Parliament, sat in the Speaker’s Chamber during Question Time, had meetings with various MPs and visited the Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa Museum.Julia said the entire trip had got everyone thinking about politics and what they wanted to see changed.“If 30 students can get to see the Prime Minister and tour Parliament, then it shows you can do something that you put your mind to. The trip has definitely improved my knowledge of Parliament and has grown my passion for civics and promoting civics, and definitely made me want to be in politics.”

John Key spread the word about his meeting with Mahurangi College students via his Twitter account.

Parliament under scrutiny


SeniorNet Warkworththe place where you acquire computer skills

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Come to our Open Day Tuesday 19th January 2016 at 2.30pm

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NorthTec offers a range of training programmes near you, including: Agriculture Hunting & Pest Control Transport Toitu Te Reo Construction Painting (Trade) Sustainable Rural Development

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Warkworth learning hub for retirees, the University of the Third Age (U3A), is hunting for more members.U3A is an international organisation designed to encourage seniors to get together and foster life-long learning.The Warkworth group was established in 1997 and now has nearly 160 members.It has 12 study groups, which each have about eight to 12 people, and meet monthly to discuss specific topics such as Shakespeare, creative writing, current affairs, history, jazz, and play reading.“It’s a friendly and informal affair to encourage people to continue learning and broaden their knowledge,” U3A

member Glyn Williams says. “It’s a good chance for people with common interests to share ideas, research topics and put on presentations.”The full group meets bi-monthly on the second Monday of the month at the Totara Park Retirement Village. The next meeting is in February.About 60 people attended the annual meeting last month where Geoffrey Bowes was re-elected president. Guest speaker John Clarke talked about his time in the Horse Guards in the British army, which included a stint as part of the Life Guard Regiment in London, conducting the ceremonial guarding of Queen Elizabeth.Info: u3a.co.nz or Glyn Williams 09 902 9333.

Geoffrey Bowes speaking at the U3A annual meeting last month.

Keeping grey matter active


Taoist Tai Chi Classes

New Beginners Classes

Starting February 2016 Tuesday 2nd, Warkworth 5.30-7pm

Wednesday 3rd, Warkworth 10-11.30am Wellsford 10-11.30am

Thursday 4th, Whangateau 10-11.30amSaturday 13th, Warkworth 10-11.30am

Monday 15th, Wellsford 6-7.30pm

Warkworth classes at: Scout Hall, Shoesmith St.

Wellsford classes at: Anglican Hall, Port Albert rd.

Whangateau classes at: Whangateau Hall, Leigh Rd.

Tai Chi is an ancient art that promotes holistic well being for people of all ages

Phone for detailsJenny 09 422 3118

or Heather 09 425 [email protected]

Discover your strengths and learn new skills in a fun hands on environment.

ZERO FEES 19 week foundationprogramme

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TRY A RANGE OF CAREER OPTIONS with valuable employment and life skills

Thoughts of going back to school are probably the last thing on most kids’ minds at present, but for those about to make the jump from primary or intermediate to college, it might be more of an issue.Although all the region’s colleges and high schools – Mahurangi College, Rodney College and Otamatea High School – have carried out extensive orientation programmes, most children, and their parents, may still be feeling a little apprehensive about what to expect when the new term starts.For the students, it could be worries about meeting so many new people, or whether they will fit in, cope with the work or be placed in a class with their mates. For mums and dads, it’s more likely to be facing up to the bittersweet inevitability that “their baby” is growing up, and wondering how he or she will cope with all the trials, tribulations and temptations in an adolescent environment.Local senior schools are well aware of this and have developed systems over time to ensure they do all they can to ease the transition from primary or intermediate to the college environment, and to make the process as gentle and non-scary as possible.This starts on the first day of Term 1 when just the new intake and one or two senior years are at school so the younger students are not overwhelmed by sheer numbers.At Mahurangi College, the incomers share their first day with Year 11 and 12 students only.

Mahurangi College’s Year 7 head Rob Carty and Head of Year 7 & 8 Keith Tennant visit all their feeder primary schools to tell Year 6 pupils what to expect.

Orientation helps students settle ‘new school’ nerves

“There’s only a small number on the first day, so Year 7s don’t feel intimidated,” head of Years 7 and 8, Keith Tennant, says. “We meet them in the hall with parents and announce classes, they meet their teachers and see their classrooms. The teacher shows them round again, shows them how their timetable works, the Year 12s take them to their house meetings and whanau, and they meet their whanau teacher.“We also take all the kids to the bus shelter and show them how the buses line up and which bus to catch. It’s very much a ‘softly softly’ approach. They’re never left on their own on that first day.”It’s a similar story for new Year 9 students at Rodney College in Wellsford, where they share their first day with senior students from Year 13.Principal Irene Symes says that the newcomers will already be reasonably comfortable in the college, as it operates weekly technical lessons for Year 7 and 8 students from its feeder schools.“They are here on a weekly basis over

the year,” she says. “Then the first day is only for Year 13s and Year 9s, because we want them to get to know the place on their own without all the other students being here. The Year 13s are set up to do the mentoring that day.“They get to meet their teachers, get their timetables and have a bit of fun as well, to try to break the ice, with a swim in the school pool and a barbecue at lunchtime.”But before that first day at a big new school dawns, what are the best ways to prepare and make sure that primary and intermediate pupils are ready to face life as a college student?At both Mahurangi and Rodney College, staff urge both parents and students to make sure all the practical requirements are in place in plenty of time – uniform, stationery, paperwork and devices – and that everything is named.They point out that if a student has to worry about something that they don’t have or aren’t wearing, it’s an added stress and it could prevent them from joining in fully straight away with

academic or sporting activities.Ms Symes says having to the wear correct college uniform can be challenging, especially for students coming from smaller schools, and it’s vital that parents help their children to meet school requirements.Mr Tennant also urges parents to keep up with their child’s activities and opportunities via the internet. “Jump on the school website, get all the daily notices, see what’s going on,” he says. “You can call up your child’s timetable, you can check your child’s attendance, and if you have any queries at all, just email the teacher.”For students, he stresses the importance of listening to daily notices about sports and cultural activities, then acting on them, to make the most of the many opportunities available. Ms Symes agrees.“Don’t sit back, take the opportunities,” she says.The most important thing for all new students to realise is that they’re not alone. If they have any doubts, queries or concerns, all schools stress that what they need to do is talk to someone, whether it is a teacher, student or house or year dean.“We go to a great deal of trouble to look after our students,” Mr Tennant says. “Our number one culture is of caring.”Ms Symes adds that Rodney College is not scary, but there are some expectations and students do need to do their best. “Get involved is my message.”


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Learn a new craft these holidays.Summer glass and jewellery making classes for adults and children.

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Twenty-seven Mahurangi youth are on the road to employment after taking part in the KeyStep programme run by Mahurangi Technical Institute.The programme targets 16 to 24 year olds who are out of work. Twenty-nine students took part in the course last year – 16 are now employed, eight have gone into further training and three are in work experience.“It’s phenomenal,” MTI site manager Nick Richmond says.The 19-week course introduces students to 10 different careers including construction, carpentry, hospitality, maritime work and auto-mechanics. At the end of the course, they graduate with a national certificate in employment, a site safe construction certificate, a food safety certificate and barista experience.“Hopefully, they come out with a good idea of what they want to do,” Mr Richmond says.The course started in Warkworth last year, but has been based in the

old Wellsford Library for the past six months to make the courses more accessible to students from Wellsford and Te Hana, who make up the majority of the group.About 14 students will finish the course next month and another intake will start in March. However, Mr Richmond says it will not be viable for the course to continue in Wellsford once the old library is no longer available and the course may have to move back to Warkworth.As part of the course, the students are researching the history of the building and they are looking to hear from people who might have information about the library and the land.“We hope to talk to a number of local identities and Kaumatua, and get people to recount and share the history of the place,” course tutor Edwina Kapa says.The information will be compiled and presented to Auckland Council.Info: [email protected]

Youth on employment pathway

There was good cause for celebration at the Highfield Garden Reserve Christmas party last month, when the new all-weather concrete track, funded by Auckland Council’s Walkway Fund, was opened. The $6400 grant funded the completion of the path from the donkey enclosure to the top gate. There was a good turnout for the event which included the arrival of Father Christmas. The new path was opened by Rodney Local Board member Greg Sayers.

Highfield donkey path celebrations

mahurangi matters, 13 january 2016, education feature

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