Awhinatia Ngā Reo
- ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages
& Learning Support
Awhinatia Ngā Reo - ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages
Awhinatia Ngā Reo
- ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages
At OPS some students are funded for Ngā Reo/ESOL support from Yr 3 to Yr 6.
Miss Hastings works 3 days a week, usually Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, to support these ākonga (learners)
She is based in the Kereru Learning Community and also works with ākonga in the Piwakawaka Learning Community.
You can find out more on the Ministry of Educations website
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) funding is for schools with students who are learning English as an additional language.
Why Awhinatia Ngā Reo - not ESOL?
In July 2021, Michelle McKinlay (then ESOL teacher) had a name blessed by Mrs Holley, Mrs Meech and Mr Leuluso’o, and a local Kaumātua, but due to lockdown and the various end of year restrictions it stalled in gaining momentum.
In June 2023, Katie Hutching (then ESOL teacher) advocated in her last BOT report, the continued implementation of the use of this name.
Why should we change from using the term ESOL?
ESOL: is reductive in nature, as it implies that English is the most important language.
English may be the dominant language currently spoken in New Zealand, but by using the term Ngā Reo we give value to all languages and don’t just focus on students as English language learners.
2. ESOL: “Other” -can be interpreted as the “foreigner”, the “alien”, the “outsider”.
We want to become a culturally responsive and inclusive community, especially featuring in the heart of Onehunga and Auckland.
Learning Support
Our Learning Support Process:
We have a structured process to ensure your child receives the appropriate support:
Teacher as First Point of Contact: Your child's teacher is always the first person to address any learning concerns.
Collaborative Brainstorming: Teachers collaborate to develop initial strategies.
Strategy Implementation and Monitoring: We implement and track the effectiveness of these strategies.
Learning Support Team Involvement: If initial strategies are insufficient, the Learning Support Team develops an action plan.
External Agency Referrals: When necessary, we collaborate with whānau to explore options with external agencies like the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RtLB).
IEP Meetings: For children working with external agencies, we hold regular IEP meetings with all involved parties.
Our Dedicated Learning Support Team
Marie Crous - Learning Support Lead:
- Marie coordinates our learning support efforts, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
- She manages Individual Education Plans (IEPs), oversees intervention groups, and liaises with external agencies.
- She is based in room 9, and can be contacted at mcrous@onehungaprimary.school.nz.
Megan Meech - Senior Leader:
- Megan is the senior leader who oversees the Learning Support team, and ensures that they have the resources they need.
Lisa Maka and Vanessa Su'a - Learning Support Coordinators:
- Lisa and Vanessa work closely with our Learning Support Lead and senior leadership to ensure all children receive the necessary support.
- They focus on helping children thrive academically and socially.
- They serve as key points of contact for whānau, coordinating support services and assisting with transitions.
- They are often visible during the little kiwi visits on Friday mornings.
Ashleigh Hogan - Social Worker in Schools (SWiS):
- Ashleigh provides essential support for the well-being of the students she works with.
- She helps address emotional, social, and behavioral concerns, and connects families with valuable community resources.
- She's on-site two days a week, with her caseload coordinated by Marie Crous.