Welcome to our latest update of information and stories you may be interested in... Hope you are having a great week, Jane. 
Regional Staff Meetings There has been some confusion over dates for the upcoming Regional Meetings, however just check the PLD calendar through the tab below and also the outlook calendar for correct dates. You don’t need to enrol through HR.Net for these meetings – we will have sign in sheets available on the day. We are excited to have Lesley Rameka and Arapera Card presenting ‘Exploring Te Whariki using a Kaupapa Maori Lens'. Click here to view more information.
PLD Calendar Here is the link to the online calendar, all information on PLD is live. Please save this link to your computer desk top or save it as a ‘favourite’.
HR.Net Help We understand it can be tricky finding and enrolling into PLD through HR.Net so we have attached some helpful hints as you navigate HR.Net, in particular booking a course session. If you have any problems just contact Hannah at hannah.toomaga@wmkindergartens.org.nz. HR.Net Help Book A Course Session
TONI Educators - We Are Looking For More!  We are currently recruiting for the next intake of people wanting to complete training to become a TONI educator in our Etu Ao homebased service. The training will commence early March. Currently our homebased service operates in the Porirua area however we are wanting to extend this service into other areas so are "throwing the net wide" and will consider applicants from all areas. If you know of anyone who would love to work in our homebased service get them to give the HUB a call on 021 222 5997 or email etuao@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Study Assistance Grant We are inviting applications (from Kindergarten Teachers and Support Staff) for Study Assistance Grants. Here is the policy which gives details about eligibility, parameters and timeframes. Applications for these grants close tomorrow. If you have any questions you can contact Karen Skett at karen.skett@wmkindergartens.org.nz or on 021 857 826.
Make Sure You Have Your Say On The Strategic Plan For ECE Make sure you have your say on the stragetic plan, which is about funding for 100 per cent qualified teachers, regulating for 80 per cent qualified, improving ratios and more. You can download a copy of the plan here. Last week’s Kōrero had some points about the plan to guide your discussion in your teams. But everyone can fill in the survey online. You have until 15 March. Here’s the link. NZEI is also surveying members to see what people think of the proposed timelines for the plan. Because NZEI wants to incorporate your feedback into its submission, it closes tomorrow, Friday February 15. Here’s the link. 
Alex, Debby and Jeanne from Maraeroa Kindergarten at the hui in Porirua this week to discuss the draft strategic plan for early childhood education.
Fivefold Increase In Funding Needed For Learning Support Whānau Manaaki CEO Mandy Coulston was on National Radio this week speaking about waiting times for young children to access learning support services. Delays have grown, despite the government funding more staff, with hundreds of children waiting up to 10 months for specialist support. Under five year olds with speech problems face the worst delays. The Wellington region has previously been found to have the longest wait periods. Click here to listen to Mandy being interviewed by Susie Fergusson.
Quality In Early Childhood Education Following news articles about standards in early childhood education, including one where a teacher of 25 years described ECE centres as “kiddy prisons” Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens issued a press release about how parents can ensure quality. The release stressed the fact that qualified teachers have ethical obligations to children, and also made the point that parents are welcome to spend as much time as they would like to in kindergartens and many do. Here’s a link to the full release.
Improving Our Induction  As mentioned in last week's Kōrero we are going to be holding regular induction days each term to welcome new staff to our association. The idea is to introduce staff to the Whānau Manaaki family so that everyone feels part of the association as well as belonging to their particular kindergarten team. We also want to increase awareness of the work of Whānau Manaaki, and make sure that people know where to go if they need help or support in any area. Today the first group of new staff were formally welcomed and will be spending the day learning what each area of our business does and how they all contribute to Whānau Manaaki's overall goals. 
 
OMEP Meeting  The first OMEP event for 2019 will be held on Monday 18 February 2019at Te Rito Maioha 191A Thorndon Quay, Thorndon. Carmen Dalli will be leading a session on: He Taonga te Tamaiti: Every Child a Taonga. Strategic Plan for Early Learning 2019-2029. Draft for Consultation. The presentation will commence at 6.15pm - 7.30pm. Come any time from 5.30pm onwards and enjoy some shared kai :)
This Week On Facebook   
The children, teachers and whānau at Tairangi Kindergarten were recently invited by Tairangi School to join them on their excursion to Waikanae Pools. They had such a great day, enjoying the pools and the sunshine followed by a wee snooze in the shade!  
Wadestown Kindergarten had a special winged visitor turn up! At first they gazed at the wonder of this beautiful creature being careful not to disturb it. As they observed the dragonfly they started to get a bit braver took turns gently holding the dragonfly. This began an amazing experience of exploration. Each child safely and respectfully handled the dragonfly and they were soon taking turns to walk, sit with and sing to it. 
 
Masterton West Kindergarten have a "big game" on next week and have been practising their ripper rugby moves! The children put in a huge effort and are ready for their tournament against Cole Street Early Learning Centre next week. Good luck team!
Previous Kōrero Editions If you are wanting to access previous editions of the Kōrero you can find them at www.wmkindergartens.org.nz/archive or you can click here. It is a good idea to save this link as an icon on your desktop.
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