Quiz Night Fundraiser

Kia ora whanau 💜 Sending big aroha to you all right now. It's a ridiculously crazy time to be in education and although the chaos continues - I'm enjoying my pivot moment -- inside and outside education -- creating activities and creative programmes for local tamariki and rangatahi. 

I really wanted to shout out to you all for helping to keep me tau over the past thirteen years 💜 All those #EngChatNZ late night korero on Twitter (never calling it the other name 🤣) and the connections made at EduCamps, conferences, PPTA hui etc. Thank you for being an incredible support in my life as an educator, the best springboard for ideas and collaborators 💜

I'm also really keen to invite you to our Ōpōtiki Rangatahi Pā Quiz Night Fundraiser! 🤣💜 

Quiz Night is this Sat -- but we are also looking for sponsors, koha and encouragement 💜 If you can think of anyone who lives close - please send them this poster. If you know any pakihi that might be willing to tautoko -- please help.

If you reckon Ōpōtiki is too far -- kei te pai tēnā! 

If I've ever helped you with marking, inspo, support or help in anyway -- I need help now to make our collective dreams come true. We want to build a youth centre in Ōpōtiki, but for now -- we need help to create a dedicated home base. 

Years ago you all helped me in my Crowdfunding to get to ULearn in 2016. Now my purpose has realigned -- refocussed and while I'll still be a teacher at my core, my kaupapa focus is wider, more youth development and community uplifting and a heap more deeper 💜 (hopefully far reaching too!)

If you can help -- I'd be forever grateful -- if you just want to follow our journey on Social Media -- that would be epic too. 

Poster and tono here -- koha link in comments 💜 

It'd be epic to see you all at some point in the future. I think we're getting close to an #EdChatNZ and #EngChatNZ reunion too! 

Pōmarie 💜

https://opencollective.com/te-ariroa-evolutions/events/quiz-night-fundraiser-koha-for-the-kaupapa-48b17d54

Pivot

After my crash, I sat on the side of my bed, middle of the night, lights off, bawling my eyes out. Riley was asleep in my bed. I tried to bawl quietly. 

I knew then, that it was time. To step out and away from education as it was. As it is right now. 

I cried for the imminent break-up with education. With the system. With my need to do what my tūpuna have been telling me for years to do. 

A wairua decision and a long held one... For many years. That it was finally time to step aside and let the next teacher come in. 

The main issue with this plan -- is that there aren't many new teachers. And barely any teachers coming in to apply at our kura, in our town. 

I'm worried for my students - the incessant stream of relievers. 

I chose the 22nd Aug which will give me time with the kids before I leave. 

I'm worried about my staff and colleagues I'm leaving behind -- so I'm creating new lessons, plans and resources. 

I'm worried about my whanau who are worried about me. Because I broke the poverty mindset cycle. And I made changes. But now - it's time for me to make a change so I'm happier and living my dream. 

I'm excited that now I can step fully into my dream job, make it actually happen and build my future reality and pivot - HARD. 

I'm excited that now I can connect with my real purpose and engaging with our community to uplift everyone. 

But, I have to start with me. 

I made the decision to resign. It did not come lightly. I will not go back into traditional education... For a time... Maybe ever. I need something more for now. 

And so do our students. 

Our students deserve better - always. 

And so -- I take my leave, bowing out, thankful for all the growth, the lessons and the people I met along the way. 

Follow us on Ōpōtiki Rangatahi Pā for our next adventure 💜