Week 2 Term 3 -Totara House: Review of Term 2 + Plan for Term 3 (August 1 - 5)

TERM 2 OVERVIEW

For Totara House, Term 2 was all about setting the foundation. As Term 2 was a full term (with no interruptions), I made sure to use the time to set the foundation well. What I mean by this is to establish a good routine with my mentorship and leadership teams (regular meetings), maintain our standard of structure for the house assemblies and get the students involved in the different school activities. The most important priority for me was to establish our house values for 2022. I am grateful that there was time and space in Term 2 to explore these priorities as Term 1 was a term where we experienced disruptions due to COVID 19. Here are some of my priorities that I had for Totara House in Term 2: 

• House Values: In one of my previous posts, I reflected on how we came to our 2022 House Values (Alby Blog's Entry: 28/06/22). This was focal point for me as the Whanau Dean, in that I wanted to give the students and mentors in my team a sense of purpose and on the same page in terms what our direction is for the year. 
• House Spirit (getting involved): In addition to this, I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had to work with the mentorship and student leadership teams outside of the classroom and outside of meetings, specifically getting involved in the different House events in Term 2. We were represented at every event in Term 2 and we made sure to encourage the students to participate and have fun. 
• House Data: It has not all been fun and games, I dedicated time throughout each week to review and study our Totara House data (attendance and academic data). I shared this with the mentorship team weekly and we would review it at our Mentor/Dean meetings every two weeks. For me, this was a good way to check in with the mentors and give my own updates on students in their mentor classes. This was also an efficient way for my mentors to share their updates as they have more contact with the students - we would record the information on a centralized document that is on-going throughout the year. This was for both the attendance and academic data spreadsheets. 

Totara House Student Leaders with members from 9TGu/9TNi and two of our mentors - Mr Gutry + Ms Paketama - Matariki Week Celebration Term 2

I am extremely grateful to my mentorship team - Mr Gutry (9TGu), Mr Niko (9TNi), Ms Paketama (10TPt), Mrs Rani (11TTt), Ms Tuitupou (11TTt), Mr Koch (11TKh), Ms Ferguson (12TFn), Mr Booker (13TBk), Mr Daniels (13TDs) and our academic mentors Ms Kolo, Mr Singh and Mr Milford. The student leadership - Falakika Tuakivakatau, Maletina Niko, Lisia Pauu, Lakai Vaisima, David Betham, Siale Pulupaki and Miracle Heta. The team overall really pulled together in Term 2 - to help make everything happen for Totara House. 

Term 2 Review: Totara House Junior School (9TGu, 9TNi + 10TPt)

The Junior School cohort in Totara House is made up of three classes - 9TGu, 9TNi and 10TPt. Collectively there are 77 students that make up our Junior School cohort in Totara House (55 Year 9s and 22 Year 10s). Some of the highlights in Term 2 for our Year 9 and Year 10 students include: 

• 9TGu and 9TNi's attendance for Term 2 was an average of 66%
• 10TPt's attendance for Term 3 was an average of 63%
• 9TGu, 9TNi and 10TPt across the board showed some positive shifts in their literacy - particularly writing (this was evident when they were assessed for Junior Exams in Week 8)
• All of our junior students were involved and participated in our House activities - the junior school presence was definitely felt and alive for the Samoan Language, Matariki Week and International Language Week celebrations. 

9TGu + 9TNi Week 4 Term 2: Crafted Writing Program with Dr Jannie

9TGu + 9TNi @ Matariki Week - Week 8 Term 2

Our junior students in amongst the senior school - International Language Week - Week 10 Term 2

At the end of the Term 2, I asked some of the Year 9 and Year 10 students to reflect on Term 2 (what was their highlight, what was something that they learnt about themselves etc). Here are some positive comments from some of the junior students in Totara House when asked 'what is something that you did last term that you liked or that you are really proud of? Why?' and 'What is something that you have learnt about yourself in Term 2?'

• To be honest I was really proud of the story I wrote on my English test because of how lengthy it was (Y9 - Totara House)
• Finishing my first junior exams (Y9 - Totara House)
• I need to think before I speak (Y9 - Totara House)
• I learnt that I need to prepare and not waste time at school (Y10 - Totara House)
• That I can be smart sometimes but I chose not to (Y9 - Totara House) 

Overall Term 2 was a good term for the Year 9 and Year 10 students in Totara House. They were able to settle themselves into school, get familiar with the routine and establish good relationships with their teachers and peers. 

Term 2 Review: Totara House Senior School (11TKh, 11TTt, 12TFn, 13TBk + 13TDs) 

There are 5 classes that make up the Senior School cohort in Totara House. In total there are 86 Senior School students in my House (37 Year 11 students, 20 Year 12 students and 29 Year 13 students). Some of the highlights for our Year 11, 12 and 13 Totara House students include: 

• 15 students have achieved NCEA Level 1 Literacy 
• 3 students have 30+ credits for NCEA Level 2
• 4 students have 40+ credits for NCEA Level 3
• 1 student has already achieved NCEA Level 3
• Some Totara House Year 13 students showed great leadership and initiative through leading some of different campaigns in Term 2 (for example - Pink Shirt Day)

Totara House Year 13s presenting for Pink Shirt Day Term 2

Some of the Totara House Year 12 students (12TFn)

In reflecting on Term 2, I spoke to some of our Year 13 students and asked them 'What went well for you in Term 2? What was successful for you and why?' Here are some of their responses. 

• ART - This was successful because I started on the assessment early, I went to my art classes on time (all the time) and it helped. Commitment. (Y13 - Totara House)
• SAS + Maori - I got my work and the teachers were really helpful. They helped me stay motivated. (Y13 - Totara House)
• Myself - self motivation (I motivated myself to finish the work) (Y13 - Totara House)
• The House (Totara House) - for the house, the international language was good - it showed our value of family. We all came together, no one was in a tough crowd and we did it together. Level 3 English was good, I wasn’t behind and I understood what I was doing. (Y13 - Totara House)
• Writing the proposal to SLT - it was something different. Being a leader, we are told to do certain things but I felt I was using my voice and leadership in a good way - to bring change. (Y13 - Totara House)

Term 2 gave our senior students - the familiarity and a sense of 'back to normal' which they have been deprived of for a while. I am fully aware that for our senior students, there is a degree of 'fatigue' with school. I have learnt to be patient with my senior students. I have learnt that it is OK if school is not a priority, what I can do as a Whanau Dean is support them with school work and also offer a space for them to breathe a little bit. 

TERM 3: What is the plan?

Totara House's first assembly for Term 3 Week 1

Student Leader (Maletina Niko) talking about our House Values @ assembly Term 3.

There are two main priorities for Totara House as a whole. They are: 

• Create opportunities for the students to interact with each other

A major focus for this term is to explore our House Values (Respect, Family + Resilience). The student leadership team want to see how they can bring the House together with interactive, fun and meaningful activities. The Student Leadership team have come up with some ideas on how they can do this - with a main goal to do things that require low effort but have high impact. Here are some of their ideas: 

House Quiz - get to know the House values etc (leaders could give a prize)
At St Pius - Y8 + Y2 had an event called ‘Soul Body’ - we helped them with their work.
We could have own study classes
Karaoke
House song
Leaders to come up with a House Chant
Have a ‘House Day Out’ - do fun stuff
Sports events are always good
Water activities
We could activities during mentoring

• Prioritize learning (senior school focused) - get as many credits as possible

For our senior students, this is the last term to complete internal assessments. I want to support all of the students in Totara House in achieving their credits. Whilst there has been some good progress made I know that there is so much more to do, the students know that they have so much more to do with their learning. I am hopeful that this term, they put in a greater effort for a favorable return. The Totara Academic Mentors are looking to continue working with our priority students as well.

Term 3 is slated to be full on - inside and outside of the classroom. I am hopeful that I am able to manage the House through this term. I would like to see the House get involved in all of the activities, enjoy all the learning opportunities that are on offer and do their best this term.