Locals take a very big plunge over

Navigating a New Year

All through life we are encouraged to set goals, achievable ones as well as challenging ones. Goals that give us a sense of direction, a purpose, the gratifying feeling of achievement and the sweet taste of success. The ultimate goal of this process is so that we can lead a happy and fulfilling life.

However, this year in the life of a school setting most goals were challenged in unprecedented ways, forcing us to change direction both personally and as teachers. 2020 was challenging in every which way, and beyond. In March we faced a very real and complex situation regarding organising the daily routines of school life. However, New Zealand teachers picked up the challenge and delivered the curriculum admirably online to thousands of worried and anxious students.

They were not the only ones feeling like this. We teachers too wandered into the unknown of the full level four lockdown as the clock struck 11.59pm on the night of March 25. Cinderella had no choice but to run at the stroke of midnight, just as we had no choice but to get on with it. And we did just that!

Classrooms took on a whole new definition, one where we learnt so much more about teaching and learning. This experience has set a precedent and a wonderful opportunity for schools to take up the challenge of exploring future classroom practice and reformulating curriculum design. Can we take this new knowledge and put it into practice? It’s a very exciting and interesting challenge for all educational institutions, from early childhood through to tertiary.

It is also now time to face the reality of the possible academic fallout, as senior students prepare for their external examinations. I hope we can continue to support them with the very best in education, one that will realise the wonderful potential that each one of them carries within themselves.

This year has also highlighted several related issues. One is with regards to school attendance, with a notable rising number of young students avoiding school on a regular basis. Another issue is the stress and anxiety levels of seriously committed students. The disruptions to their learning has created another worrying trend developing around mental health. I predict these two issues will manifest themselves in several different forms within schools in the years to come. Those of us in schools will need to keep a close eye not only on teaching and learning, but checking that every student sitting in front of us is ‘in the zone’ where learning happens. Never before will relationships between school and home be more important. This community relationship will be of utmost importance with the view to ensuring successful outcomes for our students in the years to come.

And education is not only about academics, but also about making sure students attend school on a daily basis. Only then can we be sure learning will be happening.

But now in December, it’s time for us — parents, teachers and students — to tick off another school year, check in on the goals set and achieved, and to take a well-deserved break to recharge and prepare for 2021. I can’t stress enough how important it is to encourage children to spend the school holidays outdoors as much as possible, enjoying the many activities New Zealand has to offer, if Covid-19 allows. Time away from screens and having actual face-toface conversations with friends and with you will bring a balance and joy to not only their life but to yours as well.

I have enjoyed sharing with you some of my thoughts around education today throughout the year and wish you, our Hobson readers, a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and a prosperous 2021.

We are all in this new norm together so let’s link arms and move forward into the new year with confidence and courage. — Judi Paape

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