Students Association at the Wellington College of Education

Students Association at the Wellington College of Education

Te Rōpu o Nga Tauira Ako o Te Whanganui A Tara

AKO PAI

2004

Edition 1

Contents

Contents

Welcomes

President

Principal

He Mangai Māori

Wellington College of Education Values

Pacific Island Students

Tangata Pasifika

Pacific Islands Support Staff

Welfare

Education Coordinator

Vice President

Activities

Orientation

Calendar of Events

SAWCE

Facilities

Services

Communications

SAWCE Office

College Facilities

Marae

Childcare

Resource Centre

NZEI

Student Hub

Things to do in Wellington

Student Card

Student Job Search

NZUSA

Who to see

Useful contact people

SAWCE Executive

Ako Pai is the official newsletter of the Students’ Association at the Wellington College of Education (Inc.). The views and opinions contained herein are not necessarily those of the editor, Association or the Executive.

Editor:Greg Henderson

Publisher:Students’ Association at the Wellington College of Education

Printer:Wellington College of Education

Thanks to:Helen KosmadakisJimmy O’CarrollMaxine Hoeflich

Louise StackLibby NesusShelley Kurth

Comments welcome on or 04 9242169

Welcomes

President

Hello everyone and welcome to the Wellington College of Education in 2004.

My name is Greg Henderson and I am the President of the Students’ Association at the Wellington College of Education (SAWCE), YOUR Students’ Association.

We have an action packed year ahead of us both socially and also politically.

Activity details will follow later on under Shelley’s column and some of the political things that will be going on can be found later on as well.

We hope that you will enjoy yourselves this year and encourage you to come and say hello. We are receptive to you and at all times possible operate an open door policy.

You may see a petition going around about universal allowances. Please have a look at it and sign it is you agree with what is being said. We think that the government isn’t doing as much as it could in relation to student support and you will be supporting this feeling by signing the petition.

If you want to e-mail me, please do on or give me a ring on 9242261.

Greg Henderson

President

Principal

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our students!

Welcome to all of those of you who are new to the college and welcome back to our returning students.

Returning students will notice a number of changes around the campus - the most noticeable of which is a substantial increase in the number of computers, both in labs and the Library, for student use. The technology and art rooms have been modernised and again, you will see some high specification computers available for art and design work.

I hope you all have a successful year at the college. Although final statistics are not yet in, it appears that WCE graduates have been hugely successful in finding good jobs in the teaching profession and I am sure this year's graduates will be no different.

I wish you an enjoyable and stimulating year.

Dugald Scott

Principal

He Mangai Māori

Nau mai Haere mai Ki ngā Akongā hou mē nga Akongā tauria whakahokia

Me Mangai Māori have heaps planned for this year with many major events happening during Māori language week. This year, Libby and Maara make up the He Mangai Māori roopu. We can be found mainly at the Marae or floating around the quad. Don’t be whakama, come and see us.

Wellington College of Education Values

From Wellington College of Education Charter 2003

Relationships

• We believe in consultation which is frequent, focused, open and informed

• We recognise and celebrate the contributions of our staff and students

• We believe in justice and respect for all who work and study at Wellington College of Education

Excellence

• We commit to quality in all our activities

• We aim to inspire learning which develops competence, knowledge, confidence, professional independence and self motivation, empowers learners and results in high-quality teachers

Diversity

• We value the cultural and educational benefits that diversity brings

• We are responsive to the particular educational needs and aspirations of Māori

Innovation

• We encourage our Council, staff and students to be outward looking, innovative and receptive to opportunities

• We aspire to a culture of creativity and optimism

• We are committed to advanced use of information technology (IT) to deliver world-class programmes online

Integrity

• We believe in equity of access to education

• We strive for an environment of trust and integrity

Pacific Island Students

Tangata Pasifika

Hello everyone, my name is Maxine Hoeflich and I (together with Veronica Vaovasa) are working together to support Pacific Island Students. We are keen to start preparations for our end of year celebration and any ideas and support will be welcome.

Pacific Islands Support Staff

This year has started very disappointingly with us being told by WCE staff that we are not having a Pacific Island Liaison Officer and our room from last year has been closed down (although talk of another room has started but no real commitment from the college has been given). Feedback / views / comments from students would be appreciated to enable Veronica and I to discuss these issues with the college.

This year we have managed to get Vittoria, a Samoan and English teacher at Mana College, to take our Samoan language class which will begin in the evenings either on a Wednesday or Thursday night from the first week of March. Details will be put on notice boards when confirmed. The class will be open to all students and will be at elementary level.

Welfare

Traditionally this portfolio has simply been about handing out a few grants, and assisting with the odd case where a student feels they have been unfairly treated. This year I hope to expand it to be a bit more extensive than that.

The introduction of the Education Coordinator greatly increases our ability to support students who are having problems in either study or life problems.

I also hope to set up support groups, or provide access to support groups at Victoria University, for gay and lesbian people, and for men. As a bloke I can get the men’s group going, but would appreciate someone to take a leadership role in setting up the gay / lesbian group.

There are some further initiatives, but overall the best way to stay healthy at Teachers college is to enjoy it, so have fun and take advantage of those opportunities to simply relax.

Education Coordinator

Sandra Crews is an Education Coordinator working for the Education Office at VUWSA (Victoria University Students’ Association). She will be based at the Wellington College of Education one day a week from 8:30 – 3:00. The service Sandra provides will be for all WCE students regardless of which students association they belong to.

The Education Office at Victoria University is run & funded by VUWSA. It is staffed by two part-time Education Coordinators, who are independent of the College and University. The Education Office is the contact point for the class representative system, faculty delegates, academic problems, student guide and advocacy for students.

Academic Problems

A lot of our time is being spent trying to make sure the education that students receive is up to scratch and dealing with problems when it isn’t. We provide advice, advocacy & support to students who have academic issues. We ensure they are familiar with the formal & informal academic grievance process.

Studylink Issues

Sandra has trained as a benefit rights advocate and is happy to help with any issues with StudyLink or WINZ. She can help you with the review & appeals process.

Open Door Policy

Sandra has an open door policy and welcomes student enquiries. You can also make an appointment. You can find her in the Counselling Office, Student Health (to be confirmed), WCE Tuesdays 8:30-3:00. She is also available at Victoria University, Kelburn Campus, Wednesday – Friday 8:30-3:00 on the ground floor of the Student Union Building.

Contact details for Sandra are phone (463 6984) or e-mail () or web page

Vice President

Myname is Louise Stack I'm 27 years old, and currently in my last year for studying my Degree in Education here at Teachers College. I have been a member of the Students association since starting at Teachers college in 2001. I started off as a Primary representative on the executive then moved up to elected and returning Vice President this year.

I have a sound knowledge of how the Students Association runs, and how we caneffectively support, encourage and represent students on our campus as well as off campus through the media and public eye. I am committed to working with students, the college and the public to effectively benefit the students on our campus.

My role as the Vice President is to work closely along side the President of the Executive (Greg Henderson), as well as attending various conferences, meetings (including meetings involving our relationship with Victoria University Students Association), managing and running class rep meetings and having as much face to face contact with students on campus.Class Rep meetings is something I have been very passionate about since 2001, I feel it is the best way to communicate with all students on campus, letting you know what is going on with the students Association, it is also the best way for us to find out what we can do for you. So if you are interested in becoming a 'Class Rep' please come and see me for a position description.

I am an outgoing person who is not afraid to try most things once,I'm approachable and friendly, so if you have any issues , queries, concerns, or just want to chat please come and see me. I look forward to another exciting year ahead, we have a fantastic group of people on the executive this year, so you will see a hive of activity around campus, in the common room, the Students Association office and especially at lunch times, so don't be afraid to get up and have a go.

Activities

My name is Shelley. I am in my final year of the Bed programme.

I am sporty and love to make the most of my free time. I enjoy organising trips and events so if you are willing to participate – this will be a great year.

Please feel free to contact me for any activities you may want me to plan.

Orientation

Monday 1st March

• NZEI will be on campus between 12:00 &1:00 in the Main Quad. Come and see Cate Keville to discuss what NZEI can do for you.
• Blind Date – if you are keen to have a few laughs and be involved this year, put your name down to be a part of Blind Date! You never know you could meet the person of your dreams or you could just have lunch on us & loads of fun. Registration for blind date is right outside the exec office. DON’T MISS OUT

Tuesday 2nd March

• Protocol Teachers will be on campus between 10:00 & 2:00 in the Common Room. Come and see Rosie to discuss what Protocol is and how you can be involved.
• Tangata Pasifikawill be putting on a BBQ during the lunch break. Donations would be appreciated for this but are not compulsory.
• There will also be a performance on during this time for all to see and watch, be there to see them. The performance will be in the main quad or common room.

Wednesday 3rd March

• He Mangai Māori will be putting on a dance/performance by Te Wai Māori. Be there to see this spectacular event at the main quad or common room.
• There will also be a BBQ on this day during the lunch break from the main quad, be there quick to get your sausage or vege pattie.

Thursday 4th March

• There will be 200 free lunches being provided from the main quad between 12:00 and 12:30. Be there to find out the details.
• Sandra Crews, Education Coordinator, will be speaking at lunch time and available to talk to students. See more details on page 7.
• Hit the big member will be the main event during the day, be there to see what it all involves, prizes may be available, but then again, they may not be as well.
• Fat Ladies Arms party will be starting at 6:00 at, of course, the Fat Ladies Arms. Be there to have a good time with the exec members…

Calendar of Events

These were correct at time of print but are subject to change

SAWCE

Facilities

• Lockers
• Forms are available from the Student Exec office (rear end of Common Room)
• $15.00 cash per academic year. $5.00 refund when key returned
• Lockers conveniently located in Student Café
• There are several lockers that can be shared between two students (be in quick as, yes, we run out!)
• Kitchenette
• For students’ use so please keep it as tidy as possible – rubber gloves in cabinet under the sink and dishwashing liquid always on the bench
• Continual boiling water for your hot drinks, sugar on bench, fresh milk in fridge daily
• Tea towel hanging on door handle – please use
• Two microwaves – please bring a handy towel from home to cover your food when heating to catch all those explosions.
• Common Room
• Comfy sofas and bean bags – get in quick during breaks
• Notice boards that are regularly updated – sports, jobs, flats, social, He Mangai Māori, Pasifika, General, bus timetables
• Stereo – CDs in Exec office or bring your own
• Table tennis table – bats and balls out daily
• Pool tables
• We have two pool tables for use by students FREE.
• Cues, balls, chalk & triangle available from the student exec office. Just swap your ID card for what you need which makes you personally responsible for the equipment. Therefore, after your game, please take the equipment back to the office and collect your card.
• Pay phone available next to pigeon holes.

Services

• NZEI memberships
• NZEI is the primary / ECE teachers union. Memberships for students is $5.00 and there are a whole bunch of cool things that you get for that, well worth it. See more details on page 14.
• Student Job Search
• Student Job Search is a student owned and governed organisation that offers a placement program for students into jobs. The service is included in your students’ association levy so use the service as much as you want or need. See more details on page 17.
• Advocacy
• See more details on page 7
• Student Card
• These are only $20.00 (special of $15.00 during orientation) and offer a whole bunch or discounts from various student orientated companies. See more details on page 16.

Communications

NOMINATIONS CALLED

Nominations are called for the position of the Communications Officer at the Students’ Association at the Wellington College of Education.

This position pays an honorarium of $1,500 per year for an expected 5-6 hours a week.

For more information and nomination forms, please see the staff at the Students Association (SAWCE) Office next to the common room.

Returning Officer

Greg Henderson

SAWCE Office

College Facilities

Marae

Ko Wharangi te Maunga

Ko Waipahihi te Awa

Ko Karorirori te Marae

Ko Ako Pai te Whare

Ko Tane-nui-a-rangi te Tupuna

Ko te hunga rangatahi nga kaitiaki

Kia ora everyone just a small welcome from Kath at Ako Pai Marae. Ako Pai Marae is the Marae at WCE and is here for use by staff and students. It is a place where one can relax, take a load off, and generally chill out. Facilities include, kitchen and dining facilities, tea and coffee etc. Usually one can just come on down. For bigger formal hui, shared lunches etc please contact me for availability of the Marae.

Nau mai, piki mai, whakatata mai.

Kath Hawaikirangi

Ako Pai Marae

Ph (04) 924-2053

Childcare

Karori Kids offers full-time childcare for children aged 2-5 years. A full early childhood education programme is offered incorporating the ECE national curriculum, Te Whariki. Morning and afternoon tea and a cooked lunch are provided.

Early booking of places is essential.

Resource Centre

The following are available at the Resource Centre:

• photocopying
• photo developing, laminating and binding
• all stationery requirements
• audio-visual equipment

Within the main working area there is space for cutting, pasting, word processing, picture mounting and computer graphics.

NZEI

NZEI Te Riu Roa is the union and professional organisation for teachers in primary schools, teachers in early childhood centres, Group Special Education employees, support staff in primary and secondary schools and in early childhood centres as well as advisors and reading recovery tutors in Colleges of Education / Universities.

The main objective of NZEI Te Riu Roa is to promote the cause of education while maintaining the just claims of members individually and collectively.

NZEI Te Riu Roa is a Treaty based organisation