Building stronger connections for kaiako in West Auckland

Led by the Healthy Active Learning (HAL) team from Tuia Waitākere, the first hui was held in March, bringing together 10 teachers for an afternoon focused on professional development, shared learning and building relationships across schools.

The session included presentations from the HAL team, showcasing how they are supporting schools with long-term health and PE planning, as well as engaging with the draft health and physical education (HPE) curriculum. These real-world examples helped spark rich discussion and practical ideas for kaiako to take back to their own kura. 

Attendees also shared insights into how they work alongside the HAL team and how they organise and manage their PE gear sheds highlighting the value of learning from each other’s experiences.

Healthy Active Learning Advisor, Sinéad O’Hara, says the Community of Practice (CoP) is about strengthening connections and capability across the network.

“We want to support kaiako to build strong professional networks, grow their confidence in delivering HPE, and stay connected to the wider kaupapa. This CoP is about creating a space where collaboration can thrive and where we can support each other to make a real impact for our tamariki.”

With time often limited during HALO (Healthy Active Learning Opportunities) days, the hui provides an additional opportunity for kaiako to connect more deeply, share the projects they are working on and hear key sector updates.

The initiative also aligns with a broader impact strategy to build the capability of leaders within the community. By fostering collaboration and shared learning, the CoP aims to strengthen outcomes for both kaiako and ākonga.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of the session.  “Thanks so much for today! It was awesome connecting and chatting with other kura, and I really enjoyed seeing what you’ve done with the P.E. curriculum at another school,” commented Emma Jones from Freyberg Community School.

Shaz Chungson from Avondale Intermediate School added: “Thank you for yesterday's hui. I got lots out of it and am taking back to the team a number of points for consideration and discussion.”

Schools represented at the hui included Avondale Intermediate, Rānui School, Prospect School, Westbridge Residential School, Freyberg Community School, Arohanui School, Tirimoana Primary School and Don Buck School.

Planning is already underway for the next hui in Term 2, with momentum building for a strong and sustainable Community of Practice across the Health and Physical Education space in West Auckland.