Op-ed
Op-Ed: Engage with diverse perspectives through thought-provoking guest contributed opinion articles.
Explore a range of topics, from politics to culture, and gain insight into new dimensions of thought. Challenge existing beliefs, foster understanding, and be a part of stimulating discourse on critical issues. Immerse yourself in the world of Op-Ed and embrace the power of different voices shaping our constantly evolving society.
- Sep- 2018 -25 September
Here’s the brutal (but fair) rejection feedback I got from Cambridge University
Once upon a time... As an eager grade 12 student and zealous literary nerd I challenged Cambridge to hold me…
Read More » - 18 September
Op-Ed: Te Reo Māori and Aotearoa history should be taught in all New Zealand schools
"In the heart of Te Urewera forest, I am surrounded by my elders, speaking an ancient language passed down from…
Read More » - 18 September
OPINION: The mad hatters are now in control of our classrooms
Five-year-olds are ruling classrooms since ministry guidelines on restraint have been implemented, says Te Tai Tokerau Principals Association President, Pat Newman.
Read More » - 11 September
Treasury funding advice discriminates against children with additional needs
“The advice from Treasury devalues the lives of disabled children by deliberately underfunding what they need for equitable access to…
Read More » - 11 September
Is the education system failing our boys? Association of Boys’ Schools sounds off…
This latest research suggests that while the advantages for young men at single-sex schools are consistent across all decile groups,…
Read More » - 6 September
Mispronunciation, poor grammar and difficulties with tikanga: Arguments against compulsory learning
Continuing to discuss compulsory te reo Māori through the framework of de Bono’s hats, Alice Patrick delves into the failure of…
Read More » - 6 September
On compulsory reo Māori in schools… What do we know so far?
Alice Patrick (mother, kui, and PLD facilitator) uses de Bono’s hats to explore different perspectives associated with the thorny issue…
Read More » - 4 September
OPINION: Should NZ schools ban mobile phones?
Mobile phones in schools are being accused of derailing learning and causing bitter squabbles between teachers and students as they…
Read More » - Aug- 2018 -14 August
OPINION: Principal challenges Prime Minister’s statement
“The Prime Minister must be getting appalling advice from her bureaucrats in their comfortable warm Wellington offices, because the one…
Read More » - 7 August
$18.4m ‘Mates & Dates’ programme “will not prevent sexual violence experienced by Māori students”, says Te Whāriki Takapou
Māori sexual and reproductive health promotion and research organisation Te Whāriki Takapou is highly critical of the decision by ACC…
Read More » - Jul- 2018 -24 July
Education Minister has “foot on our throats,” say partnership school leaders
"The Minister - and all of his ‘silent’ partners in government - needs to halt the closures, put the proposed…
Read More » - 3 July
The ultimate guide to a healthy canteen
Making changes to your canteen can feel like risky business and can raise many questions… Will healthy products sell? What…
Read More » - 3 July
School principals launch full-page ad against Minister of Education
Nearly forty secondary school Principals have formed a coalition to challenge the Minister of Education, Chris Hipkin’s review of NCEA.
Read More » - Jun- 2018 -5 June
OPINION: Government’s offer to principals is nothing but an insult
The offer received this month is the biggest Claytons Offer I have ever seen: a non-offer, an insult. It treats…
Read More » - May- 2018 -28 May
Is your school discussing ’13 reasons why’ with students?
The controversial TV show aired its second season this month amid warnings from mental health professionals, who have criticised the…
Read More » - 14 May
But what does it actually mean?
How often, as teachers, do you come across written words that just don’t make sense, or in which the meaning…
Read More » - Apr- 2018 -10 April
Are you our next Principal Speaks columnist?
Has your school recently undergone change? Won (or been nominated for) an award? Is there something special about your student…
Read More » - Mar- 2018 -20 March
Do schools need to improve policies on violence?
Three assaults took place over the course of several weeks and, although the students were suspended, they have people questioning…
Read More » - 20 March
Your say: An 18-year apprenticeship in teaching?
The thought occurred to me numerous times, while undertaking a postgraduate primary teaching course at the University of Auckland way back in the year…
Read More »