News

The new Tapasā framework, a resource for all teachers of Pacific learners is now online.

Tapasā: Cultural Competencies Framework for Teachers of Pacific Learners

Tapasā is a resource for all teachers of Pacific learners. It is designed to support teachers to become more culturally aware, confident and competent when engaging with Pacific learners and their parents, families and communities. It aims to contextualise quality teaching and planning within a Pacific learner setting by providing a Pacific lens to the Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Code of Professional Responsibility.

Information and examples to support meeting the needs of Pasifika learners

• Using digital technologies to support Pasifika students' learning »  

N4L is rolling out an upgrade designed to provide schools with a safer, smarter online learning environment. They are enhancing online security services, providing greater internet capacity (i.e. more data), and reducing technical complexity to provide technology that’s safe and optimised for learning.

The upgrade is fully funded and will be completed for all schools by Term 4, 2019.

In August 2018, N4L will appoint an initial panel of IT support companies to help ensure the rollout is delivered in a timely, seamless and supportive manner. A schedule will be developed from September and will be shared with schools in advance. 

Find out more about the upgrade »

• N4L FAQs
• Call N4L helpdesk 0800 LEARNING (532 764) Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
• email support@n4l.co.nz

Education Minister Chris Hipkins launched the $12 million professional support programme to help schools implement the new digital curriculum.

Kia Takatū ā-Matihiko| Nationwide Readiness Programme is one part of a wider $38 million Government funding package to help teachers and kaiako with the roll out of the new digital curriculum content.

The programme recognises that teachers will have different levels of experience in working with the new strands in the Technology Curriculum. Teachers can use a self-assessment tool that is designed to individually tailor the programme to their individual needs.

Sign up today »

If your school uses the Progress and Consistency Tool (PaCT) or Te Waharoa Ararau (TWA) you now have the option to have your settings aligned to the National Curriculum as opposed to National Standards and Ngā Whanaketanga Rumaki Māori.

Updated versions of the PaCT and TWA tools were released on 28 May. The changes will align judgements to all five levels of the curriculum for The New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa respectively.

This enhancement is part of how the Ministry is supporting teachers, kaiako, and education leaders with tools to help all students progress and achieve against the curriculum.

More information on the Ministry of Education website »

Come along and hear Julie McMahon (HOD Technology, St Hilda's Collegiate School) and John Creighton (HOF Technology, Burnside High School) discuss these revised assessment tools and how they can be utilised in programmes of learning. There will also be time for a question and answer section.

Participate in webinar 

• Register for the webinar
• Wednesday 28 March, 3.45 pm – 4.45 pm

In this webinar, Catherine Johnson (Lead facilitator) will discuss the new learning progressions for digital technologies:

• what they are
• how they are embedded within technology and The New Zealand Curriculum
• what supports and information are available for teachers.

This webinar is useful for teachers who will be involved in implementing the new learning progressions for technology in digital technologies, including:

• classroom teachers in primary and secondary
• technology lead teachers
• syndicate leaders
• heads of technology departments/learning areas/faculties
• digital technologies teachers.

Participate in webinar 

• Register for the webinar
• Wednesday, 14 March 3.45 pm – 4.45 pm

The Minister of Education has outlined his Education Work Programme for the next three years. This maps out how he will realise this vision for the education system. The main components are outlined on the Ministry of Education's website – go to the Education Portfolio Work Programme  page. The Education Portfolio Work Programme: Purpose, Objectives and Overview is available as a downloadable PDF from this page.

From 1 March 2018, the Tela scheme will be managed by a new provider, Cyclone Computer Company Ltd. The scheme will be renamed TELA+ and be launched online on 2 March. From 2 March, the TELA website  will have a new design and additional features (login required).

The TELA+ scheme will no longer offer Toshiba devices but will add Acer, Apple, HP, Lenovo and Microsoft to its range. There will also be a wider selection of devices that will include laptops, tablets/hybrids and Chromebook models.

The Ministry of Education subsidy will continue for all eligible principals and teachers.

Any devices purchased under the TELA scheme before 1 March 2018 will continue to be covered for service and repairs under the original terms agreed at time of purchase through the TELA scheme.

More information

• The existing TELA scheme »
• Added features with the updated TELA+ scheme »

Stats NZ have produced 2018 Census Support Resources , which include resources for Primary and Intermediate schools in English and te reo Māori. The resources support the online census being held in in February/March. 

The resources are designed to support students to:

• see the relevance of the data generated in their own lives
• talk about data and the census at school and at home.

Student activities focus on:

• understanding different people's perspectives about the census using persona cards and engaging in an exercise to convince people of the value of participating in the census
• finding out about the languages spoken in New Zealand, including Māori language schools (kura kaupapa Māori)
• comparing the world they are living in now with the world they will live in in 2038
• supporting others to do the census is online.

Each year Netsafe coordinates Safer Internet Day in NZ on behalf of the UK Safer Internet Centre. This year it is 6 February.

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2018 is "Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you". This theme is an invitation for everyone to join in and engage with others in a respectful way in order to create a better digital experience.

• Download Safer Internet Day resources »
• Find out how you can get involved in Safer Internet Day now »

Each year Netsafe coordinates Safer Internet Day in NZ on behalf of the UK Safer Internet Centre. In 2018 this will be held on 6 February. Netsafe will be providing resources, imagery, stories, and information to help you celebrate this day in your classroom. These resources will be available in early 2018.

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2018 is "Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you". This theme is an invitation for everyone to join in and engage with others in a respectful way in order to create a better digital experience.

Find out how you can get involved in Safer Internet Day now »

The weekend media reported on a virus called WannaCry that is targeting computers of public organisations and private companies around the world.
 
Some schools may have been affected by this virus and we are writing to let you know what you should do and what we are doing to protect schools.

What is WannaCry?

WannaCry is malicious software that is taking control of computer systems by blocking access to a device, then demanding a ransom to unblock it. The virus, a type of ransomware, is largely being spread through emails when users click on links or attachments. Once a device is infected, the virus can quickly spread to all devices using your organisation’s network.
 
You can read more about WannaCry in New Zealand from CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team), the lead government agency monitoring the situation and providing advice on cyber security threats.

How can you protect your school?

• Keep your software up to date – Ensure all devices connecting to your school’s network are patched with the latest software updates. The virus is affecting devices using older versions of Microsoft Windows software (XP through to 2008 R2) by exploiting flaws in Microsoft Windows SMB Server. Turn automatic updates on wherever possible.

• Be cautious of email attachments and links and remind your staff and students to do the same – Everyone should apply a duty of care when clicking on links and opening email attachments. Note: these could be sent by people you know including students or staff who are unaware their devices have been infected.

• Check CERT for updates – Visit CERT’s advisory page, which provides updates and guidance on cyber security threats: https://www.cert.govt.nz/it-specialists/advisories

• Don’t become complacent and make sure back up files are kept off site

If your school has been infected, please report the incident to CERT immediately via its website: https://www.cert.govt.nz/businesses-and-individuals/report-an-issue/ and do not pay the ransom.

What is being done about it

N4L has blocked all traffic on the Managed Network that is attempting to connect to malicious IP addresses known to be associated with this virus. They are also actively monitoring the Managed Network to spot traffic patterns that may indicate suspicious activity from connected devices.

Web safety and cyber security requires continuous vigilance, education and duty of care around how devices are used. This virus may evolve and we will continue to work closely with our technology partner, Spark, and government agencies such as Ministry of Education, CERT and Netsafe to help schools keep their online environments safe for teaching and learning.

The toolkit, developed by The Ministry of Education, contains information about the tools, resources, and services available to support Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako to meet their achievement challenges and deliver personalised learning pathways for all ākonga.

The tools are arranged into six domains. Each Kāhui Ako will be at different stages of development in key areas within these six domains. The Development Map is designed to help each Kāhui Ako identify potential future development areas under each domain.

Go to the Community of Learning | Kāhui Ako toolkit »

Each year Netsafe coordinates Safer Internet Day in NZ on behalf of the UK Safer Internet Centre. On 7 February, people across the world will promote the safe and positive use of technology in fun and interesting ways. 

With the theme "Be the change: Unite for a better internet", Netsafe is working with individuals, organisations and schools across the country including Google, Trade Me, and Twitter to spread the message.

What can you do?

• Register now for the free webinar: Safer Internet Day: Updates from Netsafe with Karen Spencer »  
• Find out how you can participate in Safer Internet Day now »

DIGMYIDEA is a nationwide competition is about discovering and nurturing people with ideas that can make a difference. The aim is to grow Māori involvement in Aotearoa / New Zealand’s digital economy.

There are two entry categories:

• Māuri oho: Youth category (15 years to 18 years)
• Māuri tū: Open category (anyone 19 years and above).

Entries open Monday 24 August and close Sunday 18 October 2015. Entrants can submit an individual or team (up to three people) entry.

More information on the DigMyIdea website »

Kia orāna! Cook Islands Māori Language Week / Te epetoma o te reo Māori Kuki Airani takes place this year from 3 August to 9 August. 

For ideas, resources, and inspiration to help you learn and celebrate the languages of the Cook Islands with your school community go to Pasifika resources»

Use this collection of online resources to support learning and teaching about ANZAC day and the WW1 centenary.

ANZAC day e-learning resources provides:

• links to discussions and crowd sourced resources in the Virtual Learning Network
• NZ Curriculum resources
• useful links to reputable NZ websites with lots of information, and interactive activities for students.

Getting it right in the classroom is a key focus of Dyslexia Advocacy Week. See what you can do to improve the learning experience and support improved achievement outcomes for student’s with dyslexia.

More information is available from:

• Dyslexia and learning
• Dyslexia foundation

International Languages Week takes place between Sunday, 17 August and Saturday, 23 August 2014. This special week provides an opportunity to showcase and promote languages and cultures in your school and communities. 

What can your school do to celebrate International Languages Week?

• Use the following question as a discussion starter with your class – "does the world look different in other languages?" 
• Connect with community groups and families to find out what languages are spoken in your school community.
• Invite family members with a second language into the school as guest speakers, to read first language books, or practice conversations with students.
• Learn more than greetings – can you do a weather forecast in another language? Run an assembly or a PE lesson? Or cook something using a recipe entirely in another language?
• Make a video like this YouTube one  to promote International Languages Week.
• Develop a resource written in an international language to welcome new migrants and inform them about your local area.
• Connect with another class in a country that speaks an international language – The Mixxer  is a free educational site designed to connect language learners around the world.
• Participate in Moving Words – The inaugural literary translation prize for New Zealand secondary schools .
• Use information communication technologies (ICTs) to improve student language learning outcomes – Learning languages with ICTs is a website with examples of how New Zealand teachers and schools are using ICTs to improve student learning outcomes.
• Consider ways in which you could build learning languages into the rest of your school year.

For further information and resources visit International Languages Week on NZC Online »  

The e-Learning Planning Framework (eLPF) online survey tool is now available for all schools to use. 

The eLPF online tool is intended to support schools with regular self-review and planning for improvement of e-learning skills and knowledge. Use the online survey tool to gather and analyse information from across your school staff, leadership, and community including students and whānau.

The online survey tool:

• is an efficient way to gather information in a relatively short space of time – the survey takes approximately 40 minutes.
• gathers information from each individual
• offers flexibility in terms of access (time and place)
• helps schools and teachers reflect on, and evaluate, their e-learning capability. 

Schools can register now to use the online tool.

Go to Using the eLPF online tool for further information »