Week 4 Term 2 - Creating Culture

Understanding your 'why' - your purpose, your motivation, your agenda, your goal, your dreams and aspirations - influences how you navigate through life. Working through our new House system has been undertaking to say the least but it has really challenged me to think beyond how I saw myself as a dean. In a way I had to restart and rethink how I operate in the school's pastoral system. For the last 5 years I have learnt so much about 'dean life', it has been the best professional development that I have ever experienced in my teaching career. Student/teacher relationships, behavior management and processes, engagement with parents and families - it has been a huge learning experience where I have had to really think on my feet and really keep the student at the heart of the matter. In my 6th year of 'dean life' I have had to adjust how I dean and focus on the House system as a system that connects too and nurtures student well-being. 

At the beginning of the year the students in my Whanau House group (Totara House) were asked "Describe in ONE word what Totara House should represent". I issued this question to the house leaders, who then shared and discussed with their peers - as a way to get the students to define what we stand for. The feedback was great and the common words that featured in the student feedback were Teamwork, Unity and Confidence. As we enter the half-way point in the year I wanted to reflect on how Totara House (staff and students) have used these key concepts as a focus point in how we run as a Whanau House group. 

TEAMWORK

the combined action of a group, especially when effective and efficient.

Togetherness is an important part of any community. Young people in particular are drawn to this idea of 'we are all in this together' (excuse my High School Musical reference - corny right?) In world where division has impacted almost every aspect of our social fabric from race, religion, politics, education (just to name a few) coming and working together acts as an catalyst for change against division. Teamwork was a popular word that featured in the student feedback and immediately the mentor teachers and student leaders thought of things we can do to help build the team. From physical activities such as dodgeball to fun activities like shared lunch, we did not have to think too much about what is was we had to do. This term we kicked things of with a lunchtime activity of 'Capture the Flag'. The student leaders are given the task to drive each activity - they have to agree to it first and then figure out how they will action it. I believe that it starts with them, they have been given a duty and role to lead and they need to exemplify this in order for the students to buy into it. It was a great success and student feedback was that they want to do more. The students leaders will be reviewing the suggestions and will organize a follow up event in week 8. 

UNITY

the state of being united or joined as a whole.

Our Whanau House assembly is a time where we can come together, in safe space, where we can share and talk about important matters and issues. One of my goals this term is to make sure that this space is not only safe but one that where the students understand the protocol of when we come together and talanoa. Talanoa is concept and term that means to speak and talk. Talanoa in the Samoan cultural context is more than just speak and talk but to speak and talk in an environment that is safe. In my family hierarchy is important, everyone has a place and everyone has chance to speak - from the oldest to the youngest. Yes, family meetings can be lengthy but this framework has shaped the way I speak. It has taught me (even though I have only realized now) to listen and respect those who have spoken before me. This in a way unifies everyone, in sense that we understand the purpose of the talanoa and we respect the process. Unity is such a broad concept but I think through events such as assembly time, the students are unified not just physically but also mentally as they understand and know how we need to come together. 

CONFIDENCE

the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.

Building confidence in students is a journey. It can be exciting but it can also be challenging in that all students are at different levels - some are super confidence and others are reserved. One of the mentor teachers suggested that the student leaders present at assembly and share about their journey at school. This was not only to inspire the students but ultimately build confidence in our students to speak in public and to be confident in who they are and their story. We started off with one of our student leaders, Deputy Head Girl May Sinafea who shared about her journey at school and the challenges that she faced. She spoke about her 'why' and how this is motivation for her to work hard in school. Since then we have had Year 11 students share their journey and now Year 9 students are keen to lead assembly and talk about their experiences of their first year in college. The impact that this has had has been great and I am looking forward to hearing our students share. I believe that they are comfortable to share because they know that the space they talking in is safe. I also believe that they are comfortable to share because they have seen their peers share. 

Christian Kava (Year 11) sharing his journey

Saimone Misinale (Year 11) closing assembly with prayer

Daliz Betham (Year 10) opening assembly with prayer

Creating culture is something that teachers can influence in the classroom. We create the climate that our students experience. It starts with us. This is one of my takeaways from 2021 so far. I have seen this new Whanau House system as a way to create a culture that will engage students and help build confidence. I understand that this is something that requires time and effort and I know that I can do more to ensure that this is successful. Finding the time to balance creating culture and delivering a curriculum can be a challenge. But the return is rewarding and I am so grateful for the staff and students who have helped me find my way and more importantly create a culture for my Whanau House group.