Ministry of Education New Zealand

’Akararangi’anga | Congratulations to our 2024 Kupe Scholars! 🎉 We are proud to honour 30 exceptional Māori and Pacific student teachers who have earned the prestigious Kupe Scholarships for their outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential. See the full list of 2024 Kupe Scholars 👉 https://bit.ly/3AaJg3U

Props to our Procurement team for this great honour that recognises the work that we’re doing in the supplier diversity space!   We've been working to make our contracts more accessible to minority-owned New Zealand businesses. This award is a great acknowledgement that our efforts towards this goal are making a difference.

APPLY TODAY ✍️ Applications are now open for the learning support study awards. These are an opportunity for teachers in early learning services and schools to undertake specialist qualification programmes. They are designed to help kaiako be better able to support students and tamariki with additional needs. THE AWARDS ➡️ Blind and Low Vision Study Award: https://bit.ly/4f46Krj ➡️ Complex Educational Needs Study Award: https://bit.ly/47X40IE ➡️ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Study Award: https://bit.ly/4d6EUsQ ➡️ Gifted Study Award: https://bit.ly/3EgcH3h ➡️ Early Intervention Study Award: https://bit.ly/3qP3ZG3 ➡️ Resource Teachers - Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) Study Award: https://bit.ly/3Sfmn5E ➡️ Advisers on Deaf Children Study Award: https://bit.ly/3SejLET For all the information on eligibility and how to apply, head to our website or the links above: https://bit.ly/2Ovu5qO Applications close 13 September.

Matiere School, a small rural primary school in a picturesque valley in Manawatū-Whanganui, was in need of a major upgrade. The Ministry replaced the old school building with a brand new one incorporating classrooms, a library, reception area, admin office, staff room, and principal's office ... and the school's very first playground, and courts! The opening ceremony was held during Matariki and was attended by a thrilled tumuaki, staff and community members, who saw tamariki perform waiata and heard them squealing with delight as their new playground was unveiled. The rebuild also included a new caretaker’s shed and fencing for the school pool, which is now able to be used by the whole Matiere community, along with the new playing courts. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this beautiful mahi.

THE PARALYMPIC SPIRIT 🏅 Paralympics New Zealand's new educational programme is aiming to foster a more inclusive and empathetic future. Seeing is Believing is a new programme by Paralympics New Zealand, and it aims to transform how primary school students perceive disability. The programme integrates the Paralympic Movement into curriculum learning opportunities, and central to it all are the 'para sport champions' – exceptional Paralympians and para athletes who challenge perceptions of disability. "It's a powerful combination which inspires both participation and inclusion in school environments."

Keen to start your policy career in 2025? Applications are now open for our Policy Graduate Programme. WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? An 18-month programme of work with built-in training and development across a couple of the Ministry’s policy teams at our National Office in Wellington, where your analysis and recommendations will contribute to the future of the education system in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a permanent role. Once you've finished your training you will have an ongoing position within a policy team. APPLY TODAY For more information, including eligibility and application details, head to ➡️ https://bit.ly/3z0XhwU Applications close 4 August. LEARN MORE Our team will also be at the following career expos if you want to stop by for a kōrero: ➡️ University of Auckland: 23 July 2024 ➡️ University of Waikato: 24 July 2024 ➡️ Victoria University: 25 July 2024 ➡️ Otago University: 31 July 2024 Tag someone you think might be interested!

DIVING INTO KAITIAKITANGA 🌳 A virtual field trip to Tamatea Dusky Sound is offering students the opportunity to learn about conservation and guardianship of our environment. Ākonga across the motu can experience Tamatea, a place largely untouched by human footprints, all from the comfort of their own classroom. The opportunity has come about through Tātai Aho Rau Core Education, the Department of Conservation (DOC), and the Ministry of Education. The resources were created from live expeditions into Fiordland and the content was uploaded to the online platform LEARNZ.

CHARTER SCHOOL AGENCY UPDATES: We're pleased to announce Jane Lee has been appointed Charter School Agency Chief Executive, and will be starting next week. Jane (Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha) is currently a Deputy Chief Executive at the Education Review Office, and has more than 30 years' experience in the public sector. We're also happy to announce applications are now open for those interested in establishing a charter school, or converting a state school to a charter school. If you'd like to find out more about how to apply, head to the new Charter Schools Agency website ➡️ https://bit.ly/45ZYfcG You can also find the application pack on the GETS website ➡️ https://bit.ly/4eU6r2d WHAT'S THE PROCESS? This year the Agency will select sponsors to open schools in Term 1 next year, and throughout 2025 and 2026. Decisions will not be made until the legislation is passed and the Authorisation Board appointed, but they can get the process underway. For information for parents, schools and sponsors, head to the charter schools/kura hourua website ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ghUU8V9f

The nation may be celebrating the rise of Matariki, but many iwi observe Puanga instead to mark the new year. Puanga, known as Rigel, is the bright star seen shining above Tautoru, (Orion’s Belt). The rising of Puanga between May and June in the early morning sky signalled the beginning of winter. To support learning about the traditions of Puanga, we created a suite of Puanga learning resources to bring the stars into the classroom once more! Find the full suite of Puanga resources and other resources to support learning about the stars online at https://bit.ly/3Q2KLWX

Matariki is an abbreviation of ‘Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea’ (‘The Eyes of the God Tāwhirimātea’) and refers to a large cluster of stars, also known as the Pleiades. The predawn rising of Matariki in the mid-winter sky marks the changing of the seasons and the beginning of the Māori New Year. Some iwi recognise this time of year by the appearance of Puanga, and there are also regions where the setting of Rehua marks the new year. The appearance of Matariki marks a time to be with whānau and friends, to reflect on the year that has been and remember our loved ones who have passed. It's also a time to celebrate new beginnings and plan for the year ahead. (📸 Image credit: Matariki.com)