Kaikōura principal laments loss of school collaboration scheme

The Kāhui Ako (communities of learning) programme is set to be axed in December. This means that seven teaching roles, plus teacher relievers, across the five Kaikōura schools will be impacted.

The Kaikōura Kāhui Ako brings together Kaikōura High School, Kaikōura Primary School, Kaikōura Suburban School, Hāpuku School and St Joseph’s Catholic School.

Kaikōura Kāhui Ako lead principal Judith Ford, of St Joseph’s Catholic School, said the collaboration between the schools had helped to smooth the transition from primary to secondary school.

‘‘The biggest implication for us, is we will need to put something else in place to make sure the collaboration continues across the district,” she said.

‘‘It is nice for us in a small community to work together and get to know each other, otherwise schools can become silos.’’

The Kaikōura initiative had begun working with local pre-schools to support the transition to primary school.

Education Minister Erica Stanford confirmed the Kāhui Ako scheme, which paid about 4000 teachers extra to lead improvements in groups of schools around the country, will be scrapped. The funding will be diverted to help pay for more learning support co-ordinators and teacher aides.

‘‘We have assessed underspends and re-prioritised initiatives that are underperforming or lack clear evidence that they’re delivering intended outcomes,’’ Ms Stanford said.

There are 220 Kāhui Ako around the country, involving nearly 2000 schools and some 1500 early learning centres. Ending the programme means teacher contracts will need to be paid out and principals will be left navigating staff surpluses.

FULL STORY

Kaikōura schools vow to work together despite funding cut – Te Ao Māori News (By David Hill/Te Ao Māori News)