2022 opened with plans to take on full time study and a discipleship course. I had committed to being a coordinator for the Mana Ako Club. A club that supported our senior learners with two afternoons of homework completion as well as learning across the curriculum.By late January plans had changed, one to being put on pause and the other being a declined application! What?!! The same week things changed I returned to my workspace in support of my senior management. I carried out the role of Acting AP for a term and a half.
My constant so far this year has been my connection to the Point England Students by way of the MAC - Mana Ako Club!
As a school teacher it's close to your ideal set up - a class of 15 at the most! Tending to learning needs as they arise out of the weekly homework set. Adding in learning of life skills that are guided by the team at journal surf. Life skills mostly come out of key competencies and social/emotional learning outcomes as promoted by the NZ curriculum.
The range of learners attending MAC have varying needs to support, one thing in common is that they are all very comfortable. Comfortable in learning where they are in learning levels and where they want to be. That the varying levels reflects simply where they're at, not their lack bur rather a work on, an area to grow.
This year we've continually re-visited the practice of having a 'growth mindset' v's 'fixed'. It has proven to be very powerful.
I am blessed to have had this opportunity to work in MAC, to see children work in an environment without the pressure of huge class numbers. Time devoted to social and emotional growth that lends to having learners who are comfortable to make mistakes, ask for help and try again.
