Sunday 20 March 2016

Waiata Page Updated

Kia ora Koutou!

We have filmed and uploaded a new version of Te Kohika a Kaakati (a.k.a. Hoturoa) which you can find on the waiata page.

Ka kite

Damian

Tuesday 15 March 2016

SWPB4L Signage

Kia ora Whānau!

School-Wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SWPB4L, or PB4L) is a highly successful initiative that promotes and recognises positive behaviour of students and teachers. It encourages teachers, support staff, other adults in the school, as well as the students themselves to speak the same language, or use the same vocabulary, when talking about expectations of behaviour. I have seen this programme used successfully in a couple of different schools and can assure you the benefits are tremendous!

One of the things we at Birchwood want to do is create signs that promote our learners qualities: we'd like your help with this!

Below is a lovely looking table showing three columns: the principal's challenge, or learners' quality; a proposed Māori translation; and a whakataukī to complement the learners' quality.

We have a couple of questions:

(1) Are 'direct' translations appropriate to use, or are whakataukī better to use?


(2) If 'direct' translations are appropriate, are these translations appropriate?

We do have a parent hui coming up later this term, but the Signage Team is meeting soon. Any comments or queries can be made to me (Damian) or your child's teacher (who will probably refer you to me, or Chris, or Kim).

Ka kite

Damian Hardman
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz


Principal’s Challenge
Māori Translation (proposed)
Whakataukī (already in use)
Be a problem solver
Kia kairaurau raru
I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho.
A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions. 
Be physically active
Kia ngangahau
*** propose Tama tū tama ora, tama noho tama mate
An active person will remain health while a lazy one will become sick.
Be an effective communicator
Kia ata whakawhiti kōrero
He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero.
What is the food of the leader? It is communication.
Be creative
Kia auaha
Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi
The old net is cast aside, while the new net goes a-fishing
Take responsibility (be responsible)
Kia noho haepapa
(Be responsible)
Haere taka mua, taka muri;
kaua e whai
Be a leader not a follower.