Whanaungatanga " Getting to know our learners and maintaining positive relationships with our Akonga"

" Getting to know our learners in another light"

We often talk about knowing our learners, whanaungatanga and maintaining positive relationships with our Akonga. This is crucial if we are to move forward in Achievement.

Thursday after schools: We have a mini table tennis competition in the SAS room.

Getting to know the learners in a classroom setting is important. I believe that it is equally as important to know the students outside the classroom and in another light. Teachers who assist in school co- curricular activities are able to see other sides to a student that they normally wouldn't in the classroom. This is a base for conversation and establishing and maintaining positive relationships.

On Thursday after schools, we have a Mini comp in Table Tennis. Though it is highly competitive and intense in the quest to become the champion, there is also a chilled atmosphere, laughing, joking and on going conversation with the students. This once again is the Whanaungatanga aspect.

Sometimes students just need to know we are normal human beings and they also just want to see us chilled and having fun as well. This way I find students relate to you more and you are able to break down more barriers when the students realise you are working with them and not perceived as always barking orders.

"Keep it Real"