“We are very grateful to you and the Tui Tuia Learning Circle team for all the support and assistance provided to the MSU Global EPLP participants over the past several months. The collaborative efforts involved in planning, organizing, and preparing for the October New Zealand field experience resulted in a very successful 2023 program.  The positive comments and sincere expressions of appreciation made during our wrap-up call yesterday are indicative of the impact of this years’ experience. Thanks again for your efforts and your friendship.  We look forward to future collaboration opportunities.” Dan Schultz

“I wanted to echo Dan's kudos to you both.   I have heard nothing but superlatives from the cohort about the work, and caring, you both put into making the field study an educational and culturally memorable experience. You made all of us think deeply about important issues regarding the development and well-being of young people.  Best wishes for continued good work!!” Robert Monson

The PLD with Dr Lisa Watson has significantly improved the teacher's knowledge of Mātauranga Māori, therefore broadening ākonga/students’ Mātauranga Māori. The knowledge that Lisa shared was invaluable. This improved teaching and learning programmes because teachers had a much better understanding of the topics.  Lisa also shared many excellent resources that teachers were able to use in their classroom programmes. This had a very positive effect on ākonga/students’ engagement and outcomes.  

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Dr Lisa facilitated in the planning of Social Sciences and Science units of learning based on the Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories curriculum, which has been of huge benefit. She has removed the hurdles, and the deficits that some teachers may have previously had. In addition to the work with teachers, Lisa worked with school leadership to develop a Māori Education Plan; she has also worked alongside us with the local schools and hāpū (Ngāti Rēhia) to begin developing a plan and set of resources for the local schools.  Her input has been invaluable and will certainly impact on the lives of our ākonga/students now and in years to come.

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Alison Ayr, Deputy Principal, Riverview School

Thank you so much, Tui Tuia and The Japan Foundation for such an awesome experience. I am so excited to use the activities and resources that were shared. The other teachers were great to meet and I look forward to keeping in touch with them.

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Jennie Sieczynski, John Paul II High School, Greymouth

I recently had the privilege of hosting our Japanese advisor, Kaori Fukazawa, who introduced my high school Japanese classes to the fascinating world of furoshiki. She brought along an assortment of beautifully patterned furoshiki cloths and the highlight of the session was undoubtedly the hands-on activity that followed. Beyond the technical aspects, the furoshiki experience provided my students with valuable life skills. They learned about sustainability and the eco-friendly nature of furoshiki as a reusable alternative to single-use wrapping materials.

"So from a Principal that was a non believer on arrival to now a Principal that now has a teacher in training (to ensure sustainability and continue to share the program across the school), a believer that it certainly gives our students a fighting chance, and closes the learning gaps as they move on, I definitely support it!"

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Clara Tuifao, Principal - St Michael's School, TAITA

"Farm Cove Intermediate is loving working on the Tapasā project with the Tui Tuia team! We are inspired by the bespoke programme that is being curated to meet our context. Thank you for the respectful and skilled manner in which you are guiding us on our journey."

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Amanda Jaeger, Deputy Principal Tumuaki Tuarua

"Taradale Intermediate has had the honour of having Sharron Fabish as part of our whānau at Taradale Intermediate for the past 7 years. Sharron has worked alongside our kaiako, guiding, mentoring and facilitating the journey we have been on with Te Reo and Te Ao Māori and a specific focus in the past 2 years of developing our Culturally Responsive and Relational Pedagogy.  Sharron’s approach is grounded in whanaungatanga and manaakitanga which has brought about a passion and a commitment, in our kaiako, to be part of this challenge to make a real difference in the lives of our ākonga."

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Robyn Eddy, Acting Principal Taradale Intermediate

"Our school has worked alongside Marian for a number of years now.  She understands the challenges and pitfalls for our staff and works hard to support, encourage and resource our team on our individual and collective journeys.  Because of her fresh, passionate and personable approach to PLD, we are always excited to see what new learning she has in store for us all."

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Michelle Brown, Principal Waipipi School

"It's probably one of the best things that you will do to build your leadership capacity. I've got a new belief in myself as a leader."

Lots of the content from today's workshop I find very useful to me. Personally it was a great reminder to me that there is a lot more I can do in my classroom. Examples such as making tasks more meaningful and authentic, don't be afraid of making mistakes and increase the input of target language in teaching, and learning different cultures together with the kids ect. I will definitely incorporate many of the valuable ideas from today's PLD into my practice.

Thanks so much for your support throughout this year and constantly adding more ideas or feedback with new resources or things I could try instead. It's great to receive information and ideas from yourselves and other language teachers. I will apply for another PLD for next year! Thanks again!