Activity 4 : Indigenous knowledge and cultural responsiveness in my practice

 I feel very passionate around this issue and have grown - this is a huge focus at our school.
Employment of a researcher who ran interviews, surveys, community huis, discussion groups, reflection times, this collected data had changes put in place, an example:  how Head Students where selected, as it was deemed unfair and disadvantaging to Maori and other minor cultures.

Understanding indigenous knowledge and cultural responsiveness
Russell Bishop's video explains how we need to address the education disparity of achievement between Maori and non-Maori, We need Relationship centred education which makes learning relationship paramount.  Using effective feedback/feedforward and co-construction.  Using effective strategies for learning and evidence of performance to guide the teacher and the students with knowledge of outcomes.  MMC is definitely moving in this direction - nothing happens over night and I will mention later the travel towards this goal
vision, mission, and core values  Heritage http://www.mmc.school.nz/our-school/heritage
Vision:  Te Kitenga - together as learners, we are inspired to grow. 
Strategic Focus - Te Rautake Arotahi As a community of learners MMC will:
Values - Nga Uara - MANA - Manaaki, Respect:  Aroha, Love: Ngakau Tapatahi, Integrity: Ako, connected and shared learning for all.
Front Gate has been changed to include a Maori carving, which the students were then given the legends and reasoning behind it from the local carver and iwi.
Huge steps have been made by MMC in TE AO MAORI - working in alignment with Te Pae Tukutuku Ahurea o Ngai Te Rangi, Te Mahere Rautaki Matauranga or Ngai Ke Rangi and He Waka Eke Noa.  These are illustrated in our Strategic Plan 2016-2020  http://mmc.ibcdn.nz/media/2016_08_08_mmc-strategic-plan-final.pdf
 Responsive and Relational Pedagogy programme
Part of our focus from the vision, mission and core values is having school wide goal of Maori Male achievement - bringing focus back to this area

school-wide activities 
school wide training on Te Kotahitanga starting with 2/3 day Hui
Evolving from this was the School Song -  Waitia
Interhouse Haka Competition
Year 9 Maori Student induction programme
Waiariki Wananga Series
Te Kura Tuarua o Mauao Kapa Haka
Kaupapa Maori Student Council
Pohiri bringing in the new students and teachers, welcoming within our Mara
Staff given PD on Maori pronunctions, protocals 
Staff walked around local area and given the Maori legends and pronunctions
Year 9s introduced to the same area and told about the heritage and getting knowledge of 'Our Place'
Using Russell Bishops Culturally Responsive Pedigogy tools to help focus

Mauri Model

• vision, mission, and core values
• school-wide activities,

Using the Mauri Model for both our School and myself in reflection both parties were at the Mauri MOE first and/or second level.  I listened but did not take it in
Playing lip service, ducking for cover, not going to the PD, not taking part.

The journey has been long and very informative for myself.  Bought up in Gisborne in a rural, Maori community I didn't need this (or so I thought)

There have been objectors but we are on the same page, becoming more Mauri Oho, proactive, using the culturally responsive tools and gaining the educational relationships.  We will become Maui Ora, actively engaged.   Our observations tool is Kia Eke Panuku  - for myself it is using the tool both as an observer and on myself.  I have attached parts of this Tool.

Community people are involved in the school wide activities.  There is a more collaborative approach.  The barriers are being broken down.  Past students and again the community will come and help as guides for the year 9 activities, leaders for the Kapa Haka.