Support Staff Profile

Comment

Comment by Sophie Hokimate Short on July 12, 2011 at 7:27pm

Tena koutou katoa nga kaiawhina tautoko, nga kaiarahi i te reo hoki,

Nga mihi mahana, nga mihi aroha kia koutou e riiti ana i tenei. Taku tino tumanako, kei te ora marika koutou me o koutou whanau, whanau whanui, ahakoa kei hea, ahakoa ko wai, nga mihi. Ko Hokimate (Sophie) Short ahau, kei te Kura Kaupapa Maori o te Rawhitiroa i roto Whangarei ahau e mahi ana. E anga ana ki te tekau tau ahau i konei, engari i timata ahau he Kaiarahi i te Reo i tetahi atu kura aoraki(mainstream) i te Hurae o 1990.

Me huri pea ahau ki te reo pihikete kia mohio te katoa e anga pehea ana aku tuhituhi.

For those of you that know me as Sophie, Hokimate is my registered name, Sophie was my colonized name given to me when I started school. My message above is my warmest greetings to you all, and my biggest hope is that you and your family are all well. I  also hope your extended families are all ok too, no matter where they are, no matter who they are, greetings.

I work at TKKM o te Rawhitiroa in Whangarei going on 9 years as a Resource Person. I not only do this, 7am each school morning I pick up my 1st lot of students, theres 9 of them. I get this lot to kura, then off I go to pick up another van load of tamariki, to get tthem to kura between 8.30am - 8.45am. Then I begin being the resource person, the gofer, the anything else person, till 3pm, then take the tamariki home, I do 2 trips. I finally get home between 4.15pm - 4.30pm.

Other duties is doing the kura shopping every Wednesday, taking children on trips for the day, being the office person if called on, assessing 'te reo' spoken by the tamariki and kaiako.

On top of all this I am a member of Te Riu Roa, I belong to the Aronui Tomua - Manaia ki Tutamoe, a Support Staff member activist. At present, I am the 'mangai' on Te Reo Areare for all Miro Maori Support Staff and Kaiarahi i te Reo throughtout NZ. Through Te Reo Areare I am also on National Exec. Even though I do all this my kura is very supportive of me attending NZEI meetings.

Hey you guys looking forward to meeting up with you all at the Kahui Whetu this weekend coming.

 

Comment by Elisabeth Marrow on June 10, 2011 at 4:12pm

Hi there, I am a Librarian in a decile 10 secondary school.  I am sole charge of the library which is open from 8 to 4 daily during term time, I have the wonderful task of inspiring our young men (approx 650+) to discover the world of books.  I buy, cover, issue, sell, help run the creative writing group, keep watch over classes, study times,befroe and after school as well as anything else like running trips p to the public library for Poetry sessions, literature quizzes ....the list is wide and magical.  Also just acheived a place with the Wellington region for SLANZA which wil be challenging and fun too!

Comment by Kathy Turinui on June 10, 2011 at 2:00pm

He mihi mahana teneki ki a koutou katoa, nga Kaiawhina Tautoko o Nga Kura i roto i a Aotearoa. 

I am new to all this and am finding all this learning very empowering in my respective position here at Kura. 

I am the Kaituhi Kaute (Accounts Clerk) at TKKM o Waitaha in Christchurch.  I do everything and anything to do with finances.  From ensuring all staff follow the correct procedure's for any purchases to collecting money every morning from parents for any payment contributions they have towards things like Kakahu (Uniforms) or Class trips etc.  I code each purchase to the necessary codes to ensure our budget stays within its restraints.  I have also worked the admin when our Kaiwhakahaere a Tari (Secretary) is away and have done first aid treatments for students.  In a nutshell I believe that my position here at Kura ultimately contributes and supports teaching and learning by way of, the teachers not having to worry about any financial matters regarding trips, any classroom purchases, ordering or even their own pay.  If they have financial queries I am able to source the correct answer,  all of this enables Teachers to provide a Learning environment that will assist in both themselves and the Students achieving Teaching and Learning outcomes that will benefit all involved.  They are able to concentrate on the fundamental needs of each student to ensure the Learning is of a high standard.  There are many more I can think of but I will stop here.  Until next time,

<b><u>Kia Kaha tātou katoa, Ngā mihi, Kath </u></b>

Comment by Naphelia Brown on June 9, 2011 at 1:37pm

Tena koutou katoa, the Kura Kaupapa is decile 2 and my primary job is Librarian.  My day starts at approx 7.40am to pick up 10 tamariki from their homes & deliver to kura safely by 8.30am on a daily basis, it is a round trip of 33km.  On reaching Kura I go into the library & depending on the timetable I may be assisting tamariki to research specific topics, read to a group, labelling & covering books, input of data, returns or borrowing books. Another part of my JD is kaiawhina for English Year 7 & 8 where I have 2 groups of 3 boys where I am contributing to their learning & teaching & have them for 6 periods a week!  English does not start being taught in Kura until Year 7 so it is challenging for both parties.  When there is a powhiri (& there are several each term at a Kura kaupapa) I go out to buy the kai & prepare it for the manuhiri. I also fill in if office staff are away. I contribute to the learning & teaching of our future leaders in many different ways & it is great to watch the barriers come down & the confidence grow.  When the bells rings at 3.15pm the tamariki climb into the van to be taken home safely.  Kia kaha nga Kaiawhina Tautoko!! 

Comment by Vivienne Johnson on June 7, 2011 at 5:48pm

I work in a decile 1 school. My day starts with road patrols, standing out there each morning regardless of the weather. I work with ESOL students gifting language and skills they need to function within their classrooms. But I'm on call to attend trips, layout the morning tea, drive students to different functions, attend school camps and generally fill in the gaps. I'm not complaining I love my job too. I just wish the govt saw our job positions differently and showed us some respect.

Comment by Marcia Murphy on June 7, 2011 at 4:33pm

I have just sent out a reminder to the Top of the South to vote

The pink Army is alive and well

Comment by Linda Jordan on June 6, 2011 at 3:53pm

I work in a low decile Secondary School in South Auckland.  My position as a RTLB/ESOL Teacher Aide has a wide range of roles that contribute to teaching and learning.  With a class of 15 students it give me and the teacher to assist students but at times there will be a few who need more support.  Normally within the class my day is taken up - taking small groups to allow the teacher to spend time with students at a different level, Supporting students 1-1 in some subjects, Building a rapport with all the students which allows them to open up and ask for help when needed, Supporting the teacher when needed to explain a concept, even filling the gaps for the reliever.

As a RTLB T/A my role may be different but it is also very similar as it involves helping to students to overcome barriers to them and to open up build their self confidence.  Every week I take a group of students to Equine Therapy where I see a very different child emerge.  After talking to their teacher/teacher aide, we see the difference this programme can make with children.  My role in this apart from being the driver is to ensure the child is comfortable in the environment and with the others around them.  When the students learn to open up then their achievement in the classroom is better.

Would I change my job after 13 years as a Teacher Aide, in different schools and roles?  NO!  I love the daily interaction with the students and watching them grow from what can at times be very shy individuals to being part of an every changing world with confidence.

Comment by Tim Funnell on June 3, 2011 at 2:53pm

I am a computer technician at a high school in the eastern bay of plenty.  My job is to keep the computers running, and learning the ins and outs of running a network, fix printer problems where I can, answer software questions from staff and students, look after AV equipment. Quite often the school and/or staff buy software that I have not seen or heard of, and then come to me asking how to use it.  I look after the teachers laptops when things go wrong.  I have been in this job for nearly 11 years.  Although I make no direct contribution to student leaning, I guess keeping things running is a contribution.

Comment by Chic McConkey on May 31, 2011 at 8:46pm

I am a  teacher aide at a decile 2 school. have been there for over 31 yrs. Majority of my time has been working with  special needs children 1.1   and at times groups of 6 . currently im working 1.1 with an Orrs funded child 2hrs a day , but as im in her class 9 til 2.15 daily she  gets more of my time . I also help other  children in the class as needed. I prepare adapt  most of my  1.1 childs work  have some come from correspondence which  I assess and mark etc and return with  accompanying letter each  3 weeks . I negotiated my  pay with BOT to go 1 step above the top step of  grade B in  2006 and since then   can not go any further. I love my job , and often do extra  at home for  the child i work with preparing work making games etc. Its my love of the job and seeing the smiles on the childrens faces as they learn a new word  etc that keeps me going each day . it certainly isnt the  pay that keeps me  there.I did my teacher Aide  certificate through distance through massey in 1995 /1996  . plus  have certificate in behaviour management. always willing to go to professional developement  when offered even during out of school hrs.  anything to help the children succeed.  Support staff are a dedicated lot  they are the  people that are  most of times given the under achievers , or  behaviour problem    children to work with .Teacher aiding is a very rewarding  job all we want is a fairer deal .

Comment by marcia martin on May 31, 2011 at 8:41pm

I am a Teacher Aide in a Special Needs school within a main stream environment.  My Typical day starts with getting the children off taxis and into the classroom.  I prompt the children to unpack their bags, clean their teeth, wash their faces and hands.  We then will start our learning day with, reading, writing and maths.  As the classroom has a range of problems. ie. Autistic, deaf, global delay and various other disabilities there is a lot of behavouir to deal with.  Myself, another teacher aide and Teacher are quite often bitten, scratched and kicked dealing with melt downs.  I also have to peg feed a child, and we do changing as well.  I could go on and on about the events of my day.  But what I do, I love and wouldn't change my job.  I hold a very valueable role in the teaching and learning in my part of the school environment.

Comment by Joanne Vaughan (Jo) on May 26, 2011 at 10:58pm

My job as a teachers aide in a decile 2 school of 280 students is very busy and rewarding.  I work with an ORS funded student for 1 hour each day, aiding him with learning in the classroom and implementing programmes from the speech language therapist. I also work with another student alongside him who requires help with reading and writing. In a year 1 class I work with 5 different boys, sometimes 1:1, and sometimes as a group. It has been great to watch these boys achieve and advance their learning through my input. I also work in a year 2 class with 4 boys for follow-up reading activities. It is rewarding to work with these boys, which allows the teacher to get on with teaching the rest of the class. I also do classroom support in a year 3 class.

Every lunch time I support a student in the playground with teaching him social skills.

I make resources to assist these children to teach to their different learning styles and levels of skill.

I am part of the PB4L (positive behaviour for learning) team. I attend meetings once a month and also do data input 3 times a week.

During my working day I can be called upon to assist in other areas of the school, e.g the office, the medical room.

I also keep the staffroom clean and tidy after morning tea and lunch times, and administer medication to students.

I currently work with 12 different boys each day and I love my job. I can see the difference I make to their education and how I also assist the teacher by working with these children allows the teachers to get on with their job.

I have an important role in my school as part of the school wide team, and am valued by my collegues.

I am passionate about my job and the difference I make to students education.

 

 

Comment by Vicki Signal on May 25, 2011 at 11:52pm

As Media Centre Manager I have responsibility for  the library and the IT network at my school.  My overall responsibility is to support teachers and student learning by ensuring that I have available resources that support the classroom learning program's.  That the school computer network runs smoothly so students can get on with the important job of learning.  So what do I do - I buy books, I talk to students about books, find out their interest, encourage them to read for pleasure.  Support them in finding that elusive piece of   information to finish their homework.  Lunchtimes in the Library are rather busy, most days we have upwards of 30+ students, reading, using the computers and laptops or engaged in other activities that are available.  A high proportion of these students are boys.  Some of my most avid readers are boys and we have a lot of fun discussing the books they are reading and want to read. I am proud that our students want to and enjoy coming to the library.  This is just one way on daily basis I contribute to student learning.

Comment by Sue Nimmo on May 25, 2011 at 9:30pm

Support Staff undertake a variety of tasks and roles that add value and productivity to schools and especially the students we work with. I work mainly in the library to support students in their journey through school and on into their future by providing them with the skills and learning oppurtunities to research and investigate the information available. The skills they learn through programs such as "Inquiry Learning" takes them onwards through their schooling and enables them to obtain qualifications. I feel I wrap them in a blanket of knowledge. Another role I play is supporting learning in the classroom by one on one language reinforcement, this enables their learning in a very productive way. The ability and commitment I show in support of the needs of these very "high needs" students is something I am proud of.

I enjoy and respect the diversity of the different cultures of the students I work with. This can prove problematic in a classroom full of students but being able to assist the teacher and support the students enables learning to proceed.

I know Support Staff need a fairer deal to show they are valued and supported.

Comment by Julie-Anne Gauld on May 25, 2011 at 4:16pm

I am the Executive Officer in a Decile 1 Primary School in South Auckland. No two days are the same in my role as Executive Officer. I take care of Property matters from getting quotes for maintenance to getting funding from the Ministry of Education for big projects. I look after the finances in the school, this includes payroll, quotes, debtors and creditors, Invoices to families, organise funding for school camp (grants),setting the budget with the Principal and Board, and weekly banking. I look after students in the sickbay, reception (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday), Letters and notices to Parents. I also oversee non teaching staff and I am a motherly figure to alot of the students who needs someone to give them some TLC or to listen to their concerns. I am the Principals PA, BOT Minute Secretary and the Face of the School in the Community, Lunch time duty twice a week. This is just some of the things I do in my school. I am sure there are many more things I do each day.

Comment by Marcia Murphy on May 25, 2011 at 2:04pm

I am a Teacher Aide. I work in various departments in a High School. I work with students with learning disabilities and difficult behaviours that can disrupt their learning. I also work with one of the top high needs students in NZ.. I am responsible for his safety,learning,feeding and personal hygiene. I am also a student advocate and work in close relationship to the Guidance Counsellor(  I choose to do this) as alot of times I see why a student is being disrptive as a student tends to confide in a Teache aide as they realise we are there to help. Also now because of alot of issues that these students face we are another set of eyes in a classroom. I am on $16.17 an hour. I am a trained nurse and I could be on $30 upwards an hr. I choose to do what I do because I do care about our youth. Our youth are tomorrows future. We can be the fence at the top of the cliff not the ambulance at the bottom of it. So I ask  that we are supported and given a Fair Deal. Marcia Murphy

Comment by Ann Hoglund on May 25, 2011 at 1:58pm

I think my last comment may have fallen off, it was saying that I am an ESOL practitioner in a large school, I am responsible for assimilating fee paying Korean students into the mainstream classes. I provide 1:1 lessons for them in oral interaction, grammar and reading, therefore freeing up the classroom teachers to concentrate on the rest of the class. If I did not provide this in the school the children wouldn't fit into the school so seamlessly.

I also provide pastoral care for the students as they all live away from their parents in Korean boarding houses.