All posts by Ian Morrison

Principal’s memo re: Artificial Intelligence

The promotion and use of digital technologies in the classroom, including Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has aroused a high level of concern in the media with fears that its use could compromise the academic integrity of schools’ learning and assessment programmes. Since the start of the year we have been developing a strategy to address this new phenomenon and sought advice from various sources including the Ministry of Education, NZQA and our policy advisors at Schooldocs. As a result we would like to share with you our response to AI.

At MHJC AI, like other digital tools, will be embraced to support and enhance teaching and learning . As akonga/students engage with these technologies, they are expected and encouraged to demonstrate academic integrity by submitting original work and so uphold the school’s values – pono (integrity), ako (learning to learn) and wānanga (life long learner). 

Akonga will learn about the opportunities and challenges associated with using AI technology. The recent advancements and use of AI to enhance student learning will be covered through the fulfillment of ePassport requirements, completing in-class activities, and/or as whānau-based learning which supports the Great Learner Profile. 

Kaiako/teachers will be upskilled on the use of AI in the classroom. Their use of AI can further support students’ development of critical thinking and research skills. A focus will be placed on promoting more authentic and relevant learning and assessment opportunities while also providing additional scaffolding, templates and prompts to support learners in all subject areas.

Students are also being informed about the school’s position on AI and the advice comes with a warning which is consistent with current assessment procedures:

If a student is suspected and/or caught submitting AI generated work as their own, they may be asked to reproduce the work either by hand or verbally or submit a similar assessment. Students may also be given a Working Towards for their assessment. 

We thank you in advance for your support of our efforts to ensure that our akonga remain responsible and safe users of digital technology and continue to become empowered through their learning (whakamana).

Message from Director of Education re: Minor Health Conditions Service for Māori and Pacific people, children aged under 14 years, and community service card holders

Kia ora

Schools have been asked by Health New Zealand to pass this health information to our communities:

This winter, between Monday 12 June and Saturday 30 September, participating community pharmacies in Auckland will provide a Minor Health Conditions Service for Māori and Pacific people, children aged under 14 years, and community service card holders.

The service allows pharmacists to have a clinical consultation and provide advice as well as medication if needed for a select set of minor health conditions at no cost to the patient.

It also includes whānau members of a child with similar symptoms. For example, if the pharmacist determines your child needs treatment for scabies and they have older brothers or sisters, or you yourself also have symptoms, they may provide advice and medication for all of you.

The following health conditions are included in the Minor Health Conditions Service:

  • Acute diarrhoea
  • Dehydration
  • Eye inflammation and infections
  • Scabies
  • Headlice
  • Pain and fever
  • Eczema/Dermatitis
  • Minor skin infections

If your condition needs further support, the pharmacist can tell you the best place to go to get further help.

Let’s spread the word to our friends and whānau about this new service! It’s also important to remember that you can always speak to your local pharmacist for free health advice, even if you are not eligible for this service.  

Participating pharmacies can be found by going to HealthPoint and searching “Minor Health Conditions”.

You can also find a list here: Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand – Go well this winter

Ngā mihi nui

Fire in Mangere 31/5/23

Just an update that the smoke from the fire has caused us to stop any outside activity until we can reassess air quality at morning tea (10.30) today.

Updates will be given as the situation progresses – please check emails and facebook for other messages.

Update to weather event 8pm Tuesday 9 May

Kia ora 

I trust our community has not been too badly affected by the heavy rain today.

At this time (8pm) the site is safe for teaching and learning tomorrow (Wednesday 10 May).

Please check our social media posts and website for any notifications overnight should the weather worsen.

If you have any problem getting your child/ren to school owing to road closures please notify the Whānau Assistant.

Nga mihi

Strike Day Thursday 11 May

Kia ora koutou

You will be aware through the media that the PPTA (Post Primary Teachers’ Association) will continue industrial action during Term 2 or until the ongoing collective bargaining is resolved.

Similar actions are planned in term 2 as for term 1 which includes strike action on Thursday 11 May.

This email is to provide early notification of the school being closed on that day as we are unable from a Health and Safety perspective to provide adequate supervision for our students.

Rostering Home

Certain days have been allocated for rostering year levels home. On these days the rest of the school will have normal classes:

Week 4: Tuesday 16 May – Year 9, Wednesday 17 May – Year 10

Week 7: Tuesday 6 June – Year 10, Thursday 8 June – Year 9

The school intends to continue to offer our normal curriculum and other educational opportunities as we operate within the constraints provided by the union and Ministry of Education.

As stated before I wish to thank the community for its patience. This process is beyond our control and we trust the situation will be resolved amicably as soon as possible.

Nga mihi

Ian Morrison

Principal/Tumuaki 

Re: Strike action planned for Wednesday 29 March, 2023

I have received notification from PPTA of strike action planned for Wednesday 29 March as at this date negotiations between the secondary teacher unions and the Ministry of Education have not been resolved. 

As was the case on 16 March, owing to the large number of teachers who are union members we will have no choice in terms of Health and Safety but to close the school on 29 March should the strike go ahead.

We wanted to give you advance notice so that you can make arrangements to supervise your child/ren for that day.

I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. 

Ian Morrison

Principal/Tumuaki