2025 Lets go

 Hello, my name is Scott Mansell, and I am excited to reintroduce myself as the Across-CoL Manaiakalani Teacher for 2025. It’s a privilege to continue working within the education community of Glen Innes and Panmure, and I’m eager to build on my previous experiences while tackling new challenges that lie ahead.

In this role, I’m deeply committed to enhancing the educational journey for our students, particularly focusing on one key area: the transition from primary school (Year 8) to Tamaki College (Year 9). 

This transition can be a significant turning point for many students, as they move from a familiar and supportive primary environment into the wider, often more challenging world of high school.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed the positive impact that well-supported transitions can have on students’ success, not only academically but socially and emotionally as well. I believe it is crucial that we, as educators and community leaders, continuously inquire and research the most effective practices to ensure these transitions are as smooth and empowering as possible.

One of my main focuses for 2025 is to work closely with students, teachers, and whānau in Glen Innes and Panmure to understand the unique needs of our learners. I am particularly interested in the ways we can leverage technology, inquiry-based learning, and a student-centered approach to help ease the shift from Year 8 to Year 9. By working within the Manaiakalani framework, which emphasizes the importance of effective digital learning and collaboration, we can create seamless connections between primary and secondary schooling that allow our students to thrive.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds and face a variety of challenges, both academic and personal. By examining the transition process, I hope to uncover the best practices that can support them through this critical time. This involves fostering strong relationships between students, teachers, and the community while also implementing strategies that allow for continuity in learning, particularly as students move from one school to another.

Collaboration is at the heart of the Manaiakalani kaupapa. As Across-CoL Teacher, I plan to collaborate with educators from across the cluster, drawing on the collective wisdom of our community, to identify innovative and best-practice strategies for supporting these transitions. Together, we can enhance our students' confidence, resilience, and ability to take ownership of their learning.

Beyond just the academic side, my approach will also focus on the emotional and social aspects of this transition. Year 9 can be a time of significant change and challenge for students, and I believe it’s vital to support them in developing a sense of belonging and purpose as they enter Tamaki College. This could involve fostering connections between the primary and secondary schools, creating opportunities for mentorship, and ensuring our students have access to the right resources to thrive in this new phase of their educational journey.

Ultimately, my goal as the Across-CoL Manaiakalani Teacher is to create a smoother, more supportive transition that sets students up for long-term success. By fostering a collaborative, student-centered approach, I believe we can help our learners feel empowered and prepared as they move into their secondary school years.

I look forward to working with all of you throughout 2025 and making a meaningful impact in our community!