You will be aware of the recent media coverage of the Government’s changes to the Education and Training Act 2020, which include removing the obligation for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our nation’s founding document. You may also have seen public statements and comments by some school boards about their position and continued commitment to Treaty partnership and giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We felt it was appropriate to wait until the proposed changes had passed into law before commenting to our community, and to fully consider what, if any, impact they would have on teaching and learning at the College.
The College has made positive progress in recent years, with Te ao Māori, Tikanga practices, and Te Reo Māori, as a taught, spoken, and celebrated language, part of who we are and what we do. Our partnership with whānau and mana whenua helps ākonga experience a school that reflects who they are. This builds a community of open dialogue, respect, equity, and understanding, which connects to the foundational values of our college. These have always and continue to drive us forward.
The amendments to the Act do not require any of that to change. Notably, the purpose of the Act itself has not been amended and includes: “…an education system that- …(d) honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports Māori-Crown relationships.” Honouring Te Tiriti includes ensuring Māori voices, knowledge, and ways of being are valued and visible every day, for Māori and all young people at McGlashan.
John McGlashan’s vision was that our young people grow to be well-educated people of character and use their influence for the good of others. We value respect, integrity, inclusivity, and global citizenship, which align with the Treaty’s core principles of partnership, protection, and participation. We do what is right for and by our community.
Less publicised, the amendments to the Act include new objectives regarding attendance and assessment, which will impact our teaching and learning practices. There will be more information to come on these topics.
It is important that we maintain an open dialogue between home and school. Reach out if you have any questions.
Kā mihi nui.
Dr. Aaron Columbus (Principal)
Geoff Burns (Presiding Member, College Board)
Simon Anderson (Chair, Board of Proprietors)
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
Open Event Registration - Interested in enrolling?
Employment opportunities - click if you're interested in working at McGlashan.