in touch - february 2014
TRANSCRIPT
March 2014
This month was particularly exciting: we celebrated Waitangi Day, some
of us made it to the Wellington Sevens (others such as myself watched it
at home) and we’ve made some fantastic improvements in education –
my favourite! Buckle in for another edition of my Epanui.
Guess what? . . .
We have just launched a new website aimed at acknowledging the life-
long impact that teachers have on their students’ lives.
The ‘Inspired by U’ website invites people to go online and write a
virtual postcard to thank a teacher.
Around 200 prominent New Zealanders, including Prime Minister John
Key, have taken part and written to a former teacher telling them why
they inspired them.
I think everyone can remember at least one teacher who had a real
impact on their time at school. I am very fortunate that I can remember a
range of teachers who inspired me throughout all my years of education.
I’d like that to be the experience of every young New Zealander, and
that’s why we have been investing in a programme of initiatives to raise
the quality of teaching and leadership, and keep, grow, and attract the
best in the profession.
Hosting the International Summit on the Teaching Profession in
March together with Festivals of Education in Auckland, Wellington
and Christchurch, introducing the Prime Minister’s Education
Excellence Awards, establishing the new professional body EDUCANZ,
and the $359 million investment into better career pathways, are all
part of acknowledging the profession, raising its status, and recognising
the critical contribution that quality education achievement makes to the
future prosperity of New Zealand.
My most inspiring teacher encouraged my love of
reading in spite of the other kids thinking it was nerdy!
So thanks again Mrs Fitzpatrick.
To contribute your story, go online to www.inspiredbyU.org.nz.
For more information about the Festivals of Education visit
www.festivalofeducation.co.nz, and for the Prime Minister’s Awards go to
www.pmawards.education.govt.nz
Mana Electorate
Festival of the Elements
I attended the 2014 Festival of the Elements in Porirua on Waitangi Day.
It was such a marvelous way to celebrate such an iconic event in New
Zealand history.
It was a great acknowledgement of where we came from and who we are
as a talented and multi-cultural New Zealand today.
It was great to chat with folk and listen to their issues in the electorate.
When you see me at any of these events please don’t hesitate to stop me
for a chat.
Hongoeka Beach Carnival
I had such a fabulous time at the Hongoeka Beach Carnival. So many
smiling faces and vendors braving the Wellington wind and having a great
time doing it. There were food stalls, rides, and a thoroughly enjoyable
kapa haka performance by St Theresa’s – fantastic! I got to chat with our
hard-working Mayor Nick Leggett, who is ever present. Such a great way
to spend a Saturday morning,
Education
More Students Leaving School with NCEA Level 2
I am pleased to report that the number of students leaving school with an
NCEA Level 2 qualification has seen a significant increase across the
country in 2013.
The provisional results for 2013 show that around 77 per cent of students
left school with at least NCEA Level 2, compared with around 74 per cent
in 2012—that’s more than 1800 kids with better opportunities and choices
than before.
That’s an increase of around 10 percentage points since 2008!
These results are outstanding and reflect the great work being done in our
schools to raise student achievement – particularly amongst our Māori
and Pasifika students, where there has been a lift of 4 percentage points
and 7 percentage points respectively (up to 58%and 72% - so very good
progress, but still a way to go). This is a great step in the right direction,
educational success for all children.
Over the past two years we’ve focused on collecting data from across the
whole education system so we can see how it’s performing at every level
and where we need to target resources.
It has helped us identify which students need what kind of support
through effective and successful programmes such as Pasifika Power Up,
Youth Guarantee, Achievement 2013-17, and Trade Academies.
While these results are great, it is important that we all keep up this
momentum so that even more young people can succeed at school.
For more information visit: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-students-leaving-school-ncea-level-2-0
Making Changes that Matter!
Out and about
Good times in Hutt Valley with the City Council and Open Polytechnic launching their Primary Science Education Network, and our new website
recognising NZ's awesome teachers: www.inspiredbyu.org.nz
My girls enjoying the Sevens. “Thanks a minion, Wellington Sevens”
At the Hongoeka Beach Carnival.
What can I say, it was Waitangi! Prime Minister gave another outstanding speech followed by an excellent exchange at the Iwi Leaders Forum. We
were able to outline a great track record over the last five years.
A very fun, very entertaining visit to the fabulous Onerahi Kindergarten- where the kids were all only too happy to demonstrate their many
talents, including hand-stands, whistling, and how quickly they could get across the monkey bars!! I then called in for a quick word with The Northern Advocate, before making my way to Waitangi to be a part of
the delegation that carried our dear friend Parekura Horomia's kawemate on to Te Tii Marae.where the kids were only too happy to
demonstrate their many talents, including hand-stands, whistling, and how quickly they could get across the monkey bars!!
For more information or pictures of my whereabouts, events and
announcements, please visit my Facebook page
www.facebook.com/hekia.parata or my website www.hekiaparata.co.nz/
Stay in touch
For any messages, suggestions of events or feedback please don’t hesitate to
contact my office at [email protected]
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other key information. It could trigger you to provide comments or ask questions
which I encourage you to do.
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Ka mutu…..
Hon Hekia Parata National List MP based in the Mana Electorate Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Hekia Parata MP, Level 1, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua.
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