The Importance of Collaboration

Kia ora koutou,

Welcome to the beginning of Term Four, an exciting time that brings both excitement and a hint of uncertainty, particularly with recent elections and the potential shifts in our profession. Change can be a bit unnerving, especially when we're unsure about what lies ahead. During such times, it becomes crucial for us to unite, prioritise self-care, and support one another.

In these times, it is important to remember why we became educators and what we aspire to provide for the children in our classrooms. Our commitment to showing up as the best versions of ourselves may look different each day, but our dedication to fostering a positive, safe learning environment where our students feel genuinely seen and heard remains unwavering, regardless of the changes around us.

This term, our team has chosen a collaborative approach to streamline our workload and ensure a balanced and productive work environment. We've also incorporated some creative teaching strategies, like having days of rotations where each teacher teaches a different math topic to all of the classes in our team. This approach ensures that our students receive all of the learning they require, while we maintain our sanity during this hectic period by only having to plan one topic.

I'm eager to learn from you as well. What strategies do you employ to try and manage paperwork efficiently during this busy season?

Speaking of collaboration, this month I discovered The Institute of Positive Education (IPE) Hub, situated at Geelong Grammar School in Australia. Many of you might recognise Geelong Grammar as the birthplace of Positive Education, where they, in collaboration with Professor Martin Seligman and his team from 2006 to 2009, integrated the science of Positive Psychology into a school setting.

Today, Positive Education is ingrained in their educational ethos, employing an evidence-based, proactive approach to wellbeing that centres on cultivating competencies, knowledge, and skills for flourishing. The IPE's mission is to unite educators worldwide who share a passion for Positive Education, offering a platform to discuss best practices, share experiences, and collaborate on innovative ideas to promote positive change in schools and systems.

The best part? It's entirely free to join, and in the short time I've been involved, I've already gained a wealth of knowledge and made connections with people from all around the world.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to explore The Institute of Positive Education Hub website and Facebook page for more information.

As for me, Term Four carries an extra layer of excitement this year as I wrap up nearly 15 years at my current school. While parting ways with my incredible colleagues and the shared memories is sad, I'm equally thrilled about my transition to our local college. This change marks my first experience teaching Year 7 and 8, and although it's accompanied by a bit of nervousness, it also brings a world of possibilities to expand my skills and knowledge while working with children of this age group.

Thank you for embarking on this journey of wellbeing and classroom teaching with me. Let's continue to learn and grow together.

Nga mihi nui,

Natalie