Wow what a busy year we have all had! The professional Learning and Development Team have been working hard to deliver our allocated programmes. Facilitators have shared new skills and knowledge with centres, giving them more courage and ability to support their tamariki in their learning. Facilitators once again have observed the importance of whanaungatanga and prioritising va (a space) to talanoa (to talk) as key to building and maintaining respectful relationships.  Open and respectful interactions have provided the opportunity to focus on what centres and whānau need most.  It includes the sharing of ideas and stories – when we talanoa, we connect.    

We have delivered 17 Cluster programmes, 10 Leadership programmes, 4 Te ao Māori leadership and 3 Pasifika leadership Programmes over the past year, we look forward to being back in centres in 2024! On behalf of the Professional Learning and Development Team, we hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and wonderful break with whānau!! 

Some of the Feedback we have received this year! 

From a centre support person – “Thank you – that is truly inspiring, appreciate all your time with these centres who are ‘struggling’.  You have provided some opportunities for creative play and given affirmation of what they are doing well.”   

From a parent – “I took a lot out of the Fire workshop you ran for us.  I felt comfortable going through safe lighting with my son the next, and the storytelling really helped him engage with Māori legends …/… he asked quite a few times to act it out. Thank you for making it feel so easy to apply!” 

From a kaiako – “The support of our Te Taiao Outdoor Play sessions has been invaluable!  The facilitator’s wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom have been immensely beneficial; we gained vital confidence.  Their passion for learning in the outdoors has been inspirational, motivating, and informative; they have opened our eyes to the many opportunities for our tamariki to learn in the outdoors, thus guided and inspired us as kaiako to provide high quality education for our tamariki.”