Investing in Our People: A Deeper Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

At Whangaparāoa College, we're committed to providing our learners with the best possible education, and that includes ensuring all our staff have a deep and nuanced understanding of New Zealand's history. Recently, our staff participated in a dedicated professional development day focused on Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi).

These staff-only days are invaluable opportunities for our educators to "deep dive" into critical topics that directly impact student learning. A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi's history and principles is essential for creating an inclusive and informed learning environment.

We were fortunate to have Dr. Judy Bruce, Kim Rogers, and Gwyn John from Leadership Lab facilitate this important session. They provided a comprehensive historical overview of the treaty's formation, drawing from diverse and well-researched perspectives. The day explored how the treaty has shaped our past and its potential to guide our future.

Our staff left the day with a renewed commitment to ensuring our learners receive accurate knowledge and a stronger understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are now focused on finding ways to honour the treaty in our teaching practices and create a more equitable learning environment for all students.

By investing in our staff's professional development, we directly invest in the quality of education your children receive. We are dedicated to fostering a learning environment that respects and reflects the unique history and culture of Aotearoa, New Zealand.