PB4L Conference 2019 - Keynote Speaker: Sonja McFarlane

Saturday 31 August PB4L Conference Keynote: Sonja McFarlane Positive Education for Learning - Te pikinga ake o to Mātauranga

Sonya - used to work at UC, now works for the MoE in regards to Māori special education 

1. Interact with some Māori cultural iconography that underpins aspects of position educational leadership

2. Ponder the importance of a positive education for learning and well being

3. Share a scaffolded treaty based approach to guide positive bicultural practices

Ken Mason’s 3 Goals

• To live as Māori

• To actively participate as citizens of the world

• To enjoy good health and a high standard of living

Wellbeing - encompasses the physical, mental, social and spiritual dimensions of a student’s health 

• Hauora wellbeing whare

Pastoral care; promoting wellbeing

• Engagement with health and education community leaders

• Providing a safe and healthy environment

• Curriculum teaching and learning

• Access to health services

• Policies and practices that intend to improve wellbeing

• Improving the health of the school community 

Obligations to the Treaty of Waitangi

• The principals of the Treaty are relevant to the pastoral care provided to students

• Respect for the Treaty

Culture of Wellbeing and a Holistic Approach:

• Student wellbeing is indicated in a school when…

• A culture of wellbeing is seen in the schools values and daily practices

• All learning, teaching and the curriculum integrate student wellbeing

• Systems, people and initiatives support effective responsiveness to student culture 

Leadership as a Moral Craft

• Head (Mātauranga)

• Hand (tikanga) 

• Heart (Kaupapa) 

Positive Leadership in Education

Authority: Mana - to act with dignity, mana-enhancing approaches

Courage: Manawanui - commitment to making a difference

Knowledge: Mātauranga - evidence-informed approaches

Vision: Moemoeā - strength-base approaches

Unity: Kotahitanga

Humanity: Maanakitanga

Stewardship: Kaitiakitanga - culturally responsive approaches

Partnership, Protection, Participation

• A robust framework for guiding and informing culturally responsive practice interactions 

Partnership 

- working together, balance of power, power-sharing

- Whanau are involved in decisions

- Appropriate ways of engaging and communicating and implemented

Protection

- mana and wellbeing of the tamati and whanau are in tact

- Whanau preferences and practices are respected and values

Participation

• Whanau have access to appropriate service and supports

• Participation is actively encouraged to enhance outcomes

• Cultural advice is sought and enhances meanings and outcomes