2 recent cluster meetings – and more coming up

Two MOTE cluster meetings were held within two days in February!

The secondary skype group held a very successful chat (despite some mild technical issues) in which ideas were shared about MOTE and NCEA assessment. We were pleased to welcome some newcomers to that conversation, with participants ranging from the far North to Wellington. The next secondary skype discussion will be held Tuesday 17th April at 7pm

The other meeting as held at St Thomas More school in Mt Maunganui. This one was attended by teachers and student teachers from Bay of Plenty Primary schools and hosted by Elicia Pirini. We shared experiences of teacher in role and discussed ways of working in MOTE to successfully build belief in the company. Thanks Elicia, for writing up your notes and reflections on this event. A brief extract is shown below – full notes can be found within the teacher’s discussion forum.

 Establishing the company takes time, it needs to ripen slowly and the student’s role and identity within the company needs to be deliberately grown.  I liken it to a marae when there is a major event being held.  Many roles need to be fulfilled; these roles often come from a historical reputation and traditional protocols that have been handed down from previous generations.  People have been groomed into a particular role.  There is an air of expectation that all roles must be fulfilled so that the marae has a high reputation of manaakitanga. (hosting and looking after others). All roles are considered vital for the common good of those involved in and with the marae. There is an understanding of belonging and contributing that occurs when roles and purpose transform to a culture/a way of being.

The next meeting of the Tauranga cluster group will take place on the Wednesday 2nd May at 5pm  at St Thomas More

For more information about these cluster groups, please contact Viv or Elicia or place a comment on this message.