Kia ora everyone,

Here is an update of different webinars and Lunchtime Bytes that are available for members, your students and parent community.

Please try to get there on Monday evening for the First Foundation Scholarship programme. This is an amazing opportunity for students who may be the first in their family to attend university. I have just come across this programme and have found out that expressions of interest close on the 17th of March, hence the urgency to provide a webinar to let you know if you do not already know about the programme.

Registration and details below.

Thank you to those who have re-registered; registration emails were sent out at the beginning of February; if you use the link in this email, you need only to tick “existing member” and that you agree to the terms and conditions; the form should autofill. You will be able to update details if these have changed; alternatively, if you can not find that email, then you can complete the full registration form on our website.

Please note to continue getting newsletters, access to member resources, professional development, and member fees to the CATE conference you will need to re-register your CATE NZ membership before April 1st.

We are yet to see where Careers and Pathways feature in the new government plans. The Ministry of Education encourages schools to showcase “good” practices and innovative careers/vocational/pathway programmes. We are looking for case studies, you do not need to write the case study as the MOE team will. Please don’t be modest and email me the amazing things you are doing, as we, as CATE, need to showcase to the Minister what is happening in our space. Please email me a quick blurb about your initiatives—leigh.gray@education.govt.nz 

Looking forward to a full email!

Ngā mihi nui, 
Leigh Gray

Webinar Monday 11th March, 7.30 pm—First Foundation Scholarship Programme
The First Foundation programme is much more than a scholarship. Not only will students get financial help, but they will also have a dedicated mentor who’ll be there for them along the way—so even if they’re the first in the family to go to university, they will have support from someone who’s been there before. Plus, they will get paid work experience to grow their skills, giving them access to the professional networks most people rely on for work opportunities. Join us on Monday night to learn more.

Apologies for the lack of notice but I have just been told expressions of interest have opened and close on March 17th.

Be sure to share with these families and invite them to join us on Monday night to learn more about the First Foundation programme. Click here for more information. A recording will be made and put up onto the website.

Register here

Here is the recording from last month's Lunchtime Byte—Future Leaders. 
The Future Leaders Academy delivers high school leadership courses across the Pacific Islands, during school holidays. Courses are attended by year 12 and 13 student leaders, and those aspiring to be. 

Lunchtime Byte—Thursday 22nd March 12.30pm—School to Skies Programme
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is dedicated to nurturing curiosity and self-assurance in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) among young people. At the core of this commitment is the School to Skies program, designed to introduce age-appropriate aviation science and engineering concepts to young minds. Through a multifaceted approach, School to Skies provides immersive STEM content in schools, community programs, and immersion camps. The program stands out with its commitment to hands-on experiential learning, offering participants unique insights into the world of aerospace and technology. What sets School to Skies apart is the direct mentorship offered by serving military personnel and influential industry leaders, ensuring a holistic grasp of STEM principles and their practical applications. By nurturing a passion for STEM, School to Skies not only contributes to building a skilled workforce but also inspires the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers in the fields of science and technology.

Register here.

Job Vacancy
Auckland Grammar School is seeking a registered teacher to teach 0.5 FTTE and spend approximately 20 hours per week running our Gateway Programme. We are looking to build capacity and future proof our Student Pathways area. It is envisaged that you will teach classes in your subject specialisation area until the opportunity arises to teach Vocational Studies based classes/programmes in the future.

We are funded for 33 students in Gateway and it has its own identity, not a class function.  This has links to Year 12 and 13 Career Studies classes, and a focus on the Work Experience component and the care of both students and our industry partners. Gateway is part of our Vocational Pathway programme and positioned as the ‘Premium’ competitive entry programme.

As the Gateway Coordinator your role will include being responsible for ensuring students are ready for and understand what is required to enter a work-based environment, liaising with funders, Workplace Development Councils, local industries, and internal stakeholders such as Student Services and Pastoral Care staff, while maintaining internal budgets and external KPI’s. You will be authentic, approachable, and prepared to go the extra mile for those in your care. You will also need to be committed to make a positive difference. You will have a driver’s licence, access to transport for students as well as willing to drive the School vans. You will enter a supportive and energetic team who are there to make a difference in our students' lives. Gateway is a part-time, ‘normally’ term time only position, dependent on funding. Not for the disorganised and fully rewarding!

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Graham Edwards, HOF Vocational & Assisted Learning on 623 5400 Ext. 569 or g.edwards@ags.school.nz

Applications should be made in writing to Mr John Blyth, Deputy Headmaster HR, email j.blyth@ags.school.nz
Please supply a concise CV, covering letter and the names of three referees who may be contacted. Applications close at 2pm on Friday 15 March 2024.

Women in Trades NZ are running several upcoming events (see image). These are designed for women by women! If you are interested in knowing more, email contact@womenintradesnz.com