Kiwi schools celebrate at SIEBA hui

The Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA) held its second biennial hui over two days in Wellington.

Featuring more than 60 presenters, including author and television host Nigel Latta as keynote speaker, the hui was an opportunity for professional learning and a chance to celebrate the schools sector.

Jennifer Kirkham, SIEBA Professional Learning & Development Operations Manager, was impressed by the involvement and enthusiasm from delegates.

“It is a testament to the value they see in SIEBA events and activities, both for member schools and the wider industry, and also shows there is an appetite for greater collaboration.

“We appreciated the willingness of sector presenters to share with their colleagues, as schools always love to hear what others are doing. 

Another highlight was the presentation by lawyer Tim Conder on how schools need to change their contracts and disciplinary processes to align with the recently amended Education Act.

“I think we all left the hui with long to-do lists,” said Ms Kirkham.

To celebrate the sector’s success, six international education professionals were honoured at the awards dinner with SIEBA International Education Leadership Awards.

Allan Goodhall from Mount Maunganui College and Grant Berry from Kerikeri High School, both on the eve of retirement after decades of service to the sector, received long service and outstanding contribution awards. 

Lynda Sullivan from Rangitoto College received an award for innovation, and Terry Kraettli from Epsom Girls’ Grammar School, Barbara Charlton-Kelly from Newlands College, and Annemieke Hart from Tauranga Intermediate received recognition for their outstanding contributions to the school sector.

Recipients were nominated by their peers and were all deserving winners.