Middle Syndicate During 2021, the Middle Syndicate focused on introducing, establishing, and embedding the elements of StAC-UP: Be Safe – inside, outside, and online; Be Ready – to learn in all situations; and Be Respectful – towards others and yourself.
resources engaged our students to promote a clear understanding and shared language of StAC-UP. In addition to the integration of StAC-UP several wellbeing programmes to further support our students and families were established. These programmes were a Years 4–5 ‘Wise Up’ programme, a Year 5 Lego group, a Year 5 Friendship group, Year 6 Travellers groups, a Year 6 Buddy group, and a Years 4–6 Tuning in to Kids’ programme for parents.
Manaakitanga To welcome the seventeen new students to our school and the Year 4 students to our team, our beginning of the year focus was ‘Identity’ (self, family, class, team, school, community, national, and international). Students shared their family culture and identity through a range of discussions, writing tasks, multimedia platforms, learning experiences, and presentations. All students contributed to developing the class and team identity through team assemblies and singing, weekly Growth Mindset Persistence Awards, Key Competency Awards, sustainability projects, shared inquiries, team fitness, kapa haka, developing a shared understanding of StAC-UP, and our weekly Preparatory School chapel services.
StAC-UP StAC-UP was introduced to the students at the beginning of 2021 and was a strong focus throughout the year. The elements of StAC-UP were integrated daily into our classroom programmes and team interactions. StAC-UP lessons were explicitly taught each week. In these lessons a variety of resources including the Bounce Back! programme, Navigating the Journey, and other supporting 20
Appraisal Connector Teachers used Appraisal Connector to record and share their professional learning and appraisals throughout the year. Images, documents, and reflections were uploaded to AC for self-appraisal, leadership appraisal, and student voice to inform inquiry and reflection.
Mathematics All Years 4–6 teachers used the Prime resource, alongside several other mathematics resources. Mathematics classes were streamed at each year level with mathematics being taught every day in all classrooms. Groupings were fluid and reviewed regularly to ensure individual needs were attended to throughout the year. Shared assessment practices enabled teachers to communicate learning progress for all students. Students used the Prime Mathematics practise book, a mathematics exercise book, printed booklets to target an identified mathematical concept, and online links for consolidating and extending learning. The online tool MathsBuddy was introduced at Year 4 and 5.
