Hamish Parkes

I'm enthusiastic about embarking on my teaching journey in Aotearoa. My passion for educating young minds has grown from my diverse experiences working with children across the globe. I'm especially drawn to physical and outdoor education, exploring innovative culturally sustainable practices, deepening my understanding of Māori language and culture, and engaging with individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

I strongly believe that each individual ākonga possesses the potential to feel empowered and confident in their work, laying the foundation for a positive and forward-looking mindset. At the core of my educational approach lies the ākonga, placing them as the central focus. My goal is to ensure that they experience a genuine sense of belonging within the classroom and the broader world, cultivating their confidence, curiosity, and mindfulness.

While I acknowledge that as kaiako, we can't cover everything, I am committed to providing ākonga with the tools they need to become inquisitive, lifelong learners who appreciate and engage with the world around them. Employing positive behaviour management strategies, my aim is to nurture student agency, placing their hauora at the heart of their growth.

My journey towards comprehending Mātauranga Māori is ongoing, shaped by my unique perspective as a tangata tiriti in Aotearoa. I am dedicated to helping ākonga connect with their individuality by guiding them to navigate their place in Aotearoa through culturally relevant practices.

Recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all path, I am resolute in my commitment to challenging every ākonga, equipping them with the essential skills for their future success. With this in mind, I have plan to implement a structured numeracy and literacy program to foster a robust work ethic and provide them with pertinent skills to navigate any future endeavours.

In essence, my teaching philosophy centres on empowering individual ākonga, fostering their confidence, nurturing their curiosity, and guiding them to embrace their cultural identity within the ever-evolving landscape of Aotearoa.

Eddie Martin, Mentor Teacher, Rāroa Intermediate, Wellington New Zealand

Email: eddie.martin@raroa.school.nz

Judy Cross, Mentor Teacher, Ngāti Toa School, Wellington New Zealand

Email: j.cross@ngatitoa.school.nz

Scott McKechnie, Manager of Auski, Melbourne Australia

Email: scott@auski.com.au