Principals, teachers, teacher aids and support staff from five of Ōamaru’s schools embraced the chance to be the learners yesterday (March 21). 

The Waitaki Ara Kahui Ako - a “community of learning” which includes Fenwick, Te Pākihi o Maru, and Ōamaru Intermediate schools, along with Waitaki Boys’ and Waitaki Girls’ high schools - met at the intermediate to work “towards our Kahui Ako goals”, across school lead Sarah Caldwell said.

“It’s a chance to come together professionally, and the uniqueness of today is that we have got our teacher aids with us, and our support staff.”

The day was made of professional development workshops through a variety of speakers. 

Although teachers are currently in contract negotiations with the Education Ministry, and the possibility of further industrial action looms, following a strike last Thursday (March 16), Sarah said teachers will always embrace professional learning.

“Coming together, not just in your own school, but with other schools, and all the incidental conversations are where you learn a whole lot as well.

“We value the fact that most of our children go through all the schools that are here today, so that is why we want to make connections, so that we support the kids. 

Students transition through these schools and we work together to support the progress of our students.