Do Not Read. I have created this post just to ensure that it is possible.

I told you not to read this! You people are impossible...




p.s. The pastel colours of the buttons make them near invisible for me. Especially the "update" and "publish" buttons. Those took me ages to find.

I recieved this email today.  I will be attending the meeting if anyone wants to come along...

Kia ora koutou, 

Our time of Matariki is fast approaching! 

We'd like to get together for a hui regarding the shared Matariki events happening this year. 

Tuesday 31st March

3.30pm

Waihi Memorial Hall

Please bring your diaries and requests from your workplaces  :-) 

Please RSVP to this email by Monday 30th March. Feel free to invite other interested parties as well.

Na, 

Rachael & Whetu

Getting Started With Your PLG

Hi Guys,

Thanks for putting yourself out there into this group.  I think that this is a massively important area of professional development for Waihi College staff.  I can see that at this stage not many of you have linked up technologically with this blog - so that might be some PD in itself.

I thought that I would jump online and give you some heads up on where I see this PLG could go.  Remember that the main purpose of PLG's is that they're able to grow/move in directions as the members decide.

Where are you at?   This is probably the key question for you as a group.  I know that you have some very strong speakers, and experts of tikanga (this is great you can tap into this knowledge).  The good news is that there is a wealth of resources available to you to tap into.

I thought that these my be the next steps for your PLG...

1. Tapping into internal expertise.  Ascertain the degree of confidence you have individually about the Reo and the Tikanga of Maori.  This will drive the group.  I'm anticipating that you as individuals will roughly look to help someone below your level and look to get helped by someone above your level.  
2. Tapping into external expertise (online).  Looking for resources see Ministry of Maori Affairs, Te Puni Kokiri, Te Wananga, local Hauraki sources.  

My personal experience in a Maori PLG was that a few years ago me and some other teachers enrolled in a free course 'national certificate in Maori Ora' through the Wananga o Aotearoa.  This was longer course than 4 months (I think that it took me seven months).  It was free, interesting, do-able and provided all the resources.

Cheers J.

PLG Member Expectation

What Will Do You In This PLG?

I think that there are dangers in setting out the 'minimum' engagement levels.  Rather to highlight the possibilities.  There is a good read on PLG's on the Edutopia website here.  Basically the point is to keep the focus of the group on learning (the L in PLG).  To anticipate that all of the teachers will use their professionalism to add to the community.


The primary actions you will be expected to do include...

1. Being open minded - you're aiming to expand your practice.  Move from the theory (where you'll be most comfortable) into the classroom (where you'll learn the most).  
2. Putting yourself out there - giving the project/actions are genuine series of efforts.  Being an a tangible PLG (like Te Reo) gives you ample opportunity.  
3. Share your experiences -  +  Invite others into your room with goal of seeing your implementations.  Not necessarily whole lessons just in five mins should be good.  +  Go and see other members of your group - JHA will be able to release you as needed. +  Post your successes/thoughts/ideas/failures onto the blog (share with your group).  
4. Take time.  There will be four allocated staff meeting times over the next 16 weeks.  But do seek more of your own time.  
5. Have fun.  

Welcome to 2015's First PLG

Overview Professional Learning Group

The intent of all of our PLGs is about collaboration and professional development.  It is also an opportunity for you as a professional operate with a degree of autonomy in your learning.

Collaborative - The idea is that you take people with you in your learning (sometimes you will lead other times  you will shown).  It is about recognising that those in this learning group share an interest in developing their practice around the same topic.

Development - The time you spend together working on your topic should ultimately add to the quality of your classroom relations and practices.  You will be expected to journey through with others (some will be at different stages of development)... but ultimately you'll want to get some tangible benefits from joining this group.


Rules of Belonging to this PLG

1. Get Involved.  Teachers often feel that professional development is something that is done to them.  The freedom of belonging to a PLG is to have a degree of autonomy.  You can take your learning where you want (especially where you feel you have the greatest benefit).  
2. Respect Others.  This should be a given but worth remembering.  Traditionally teaching is an isolated profession and some staff may feel reluctant to share.  Having a group with a high degree of respect is vital.  
3. Start ASAP - Please break the ice with your fellow teachers in your group.  Holding off will make it harder to get involved.  Set a good bench mark for the group.  
4. Engage With RTC's.  The next five months will provide you with plenty of opportunity to reflect upon the 12 registered teacher criteria.  Take some time to engaged for 10 mins a fortnight with these.  
5. Implement.  Lots of the topics of the PLGs this cycle are ideas.  There will be plenty of time to talk, debate and theorise about the topic.  But nothing beats trying things out.  Waihi College is a school of innovation, we genuinely encourage  you to try new things (mistakes are welcome). 
6. Feedback with Others.  This is a collective learning experience.  Let your group members know what it is your trying.  Let them know how things are going.