Waka Taua

Keeping you connected

Waka Taua was a large waka that could hold many people, just like our network. In the past it often transported parties going into battle - our cohort of learners are often misunderstood and misrepresented, our educators become warriors for our learners and working together strengthens our quest. Waka Taua connects Gifted Aotearoa Network members with each other and with information and opportunities to support you in your work with gifted students.

What’s going on right now

• We are now taking registrations for our third intake of Waka Kōpapa which will start in Term 1, 2020. Head to Waka Kōpapa to find out more and to register your interest. Waka Kōpapa is a 4-module online course covering practical strategies for educators responsible for learners with additional needs including all Gifted Coordinators, SENCos, RTLBs, future Coordinator’s and related professionals to lead provisions for learners with additional needs, such as gifted learners, in your school or kura.

• Registrations are open for the regional network Hui in Auckland Central, Auckland North, Canterbury, Manawatu, Taranaki, Waikato, Wakatipu and Wellington. The next round of hui will be taking place in March and April 2020. Waka Tīwai are a series of four regional hui for educators to network and collaborate together as a community of learners, growing regional capability to meet the needs of gifted learners. These hui offer practical support for classroom practice. Scroll down to Waka Tīwai to find out more and to register.

• A number of questions have been answered by our Waka Ama Kaiārahi, such as "I have been given the opportunity to comment on the school policy for one of my children, as it is currently being reviewed by the board. Do you have, or could you point me in the right direction to some well-formulated New Zealand school policies in this area, by way of comparison?" and "I am leading Gifted and Talented this year. I am a novice at this and would like to know where I should start with this for our school?". All questions and answers are published on the Gifted Community on TKI.

• Our Waka Ama Kaiārahi Brooke Trenwith, Rosemary Cathcart and Sue Barriball offer specialist support in gifted education to all network members. They are available now to personally respond to your queries, challenges or concerns related to gifted education. Find out more about Waka Ama.

If you have not done so already, please register with the Network and follow the Gifted Aotearoa Facebook page, so we can inform you of up-coming events and opportunities.