Read on to learn how you can get involved!ㅤ
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“Shared knowledge, immersed learning, inquiry-based research”
The New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF) has proposed a partnership with the South Australian Primary Principals’ Association to provide opportunities for principals from both countries to participate in a one week long exchange in South Australia and Aotearoa | New Zealand. Each principal will spend a week working alongside a principal from the other country, in their school, hosted by that principal, in their home.
The purpose of this exchange is to:
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Share knowledge and strengthen understanding of international best practices in education and leadership
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Undertake an inquiry-based research project, and share this knowledge
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Deepen understanding of differences and similarities between the two countries’ education systems
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Enable participants to engage in a self-reflective process that improves their ability to examine their practices, ask questions and make changes
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Build professional relationships through immersed learning experiences
Programme overview for initial trial exchange:
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Each principal will shadow their partner during the exchange with accommodation/meals being provided by the host principal, thus reducing the cost of international travel (Principals may opt to stay in other accommodation at their discretion/cost). By hosting at school and in the home, the exchanges create international professional learning communities where the friendships and cultural experiences are exemplary and long-lasting. Culturally and professionally, former GPPE participants have pronounced these experiences as exceptional and undoubtedly the best professional development of their careers
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School leaders will work on improving student achievement by selecting a specific area of focus to investigate. After the exchange, the New Zealand counterpart will share a report with the sector via NZPF, which will be hosted on the NZPF website.
Process of application for this initial trial exchange:
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Complete an ‘Expression of Interest’, by Monday, June 9, 2025
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Complete GPPE application form, including focus of inquiry, by Friday, June 20, 2025
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Successful applicants are matched to a counterpart via their GPP survey profile, and all applicants are informed by SAPPA and NZPF, respectively on the status of their application, by Friday, June 27, 2025
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Paperwork, including fees, waiver form etc, completed, by mid July.
The Fine Print:
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Principals will visit their partner school at mutually agreed-upon times, and complete a reflection on the exchange, before the end of the 2025 school year
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Participants are responsible for their transportation costs to and from the partnering country, and all expenses incurred in the visiting country
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An admin fee of $200+ GST will be applied to all successful applicants from New Zealand
Examples of Past Topics of Study:
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What are the conditions necessary to create a culture of innovation?
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How to build oral language strategies among Early Years students with special education needs
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How to build community in and outside of school
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How 21st Century learning and technology can transform school assessment and instructional practices.
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What structures are in place to support students with special needs and how do staff communicate so that all involved with these students are working to meet their needs?
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What are effective ways to support secondary teachers moving towards 21st-century teaching and learning strategies?
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How can we make global connections and create innovative learning environments for the future?
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How are literacy and numeracy planned, delivered and assessed?
Nahau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora ai te manuhiri
With your basket of knowledge, and my basket of knowledge, the people will prosper
