[Carey]

Hi,
Have really enjoyed reading loads of info. on here but now some questions that I hope someone can answer. My searchs so far have mainly showed info. from a couple of years ago, so I'm wondering what the situation is now.
Am I right in thinking that as primary school teaching jobs are not on the skills shortage list, they are hard to get, especially outside of Auckland? And are the unfilled vacancies in 'difficult' schools? Would a school employ someone from Uk if a New Zealand trained teacher was applying?

Would it be worth my while applying for an Early Childhood job, which is on the Skills Shortage List (I trained in Early Years, 4 to 8 yrs, and have limited experience working in a Pre-school 2 1/2 to 5 yrs)?

My OH works in Conservation for the local council. Again, is there any chance he would get appointed when up against a native New Zealander?

We don't qualify on points without a job offer for one of us, so hope someone can offer some guidance on either teaching or working in the environment.(Have seen jobs advertised on the Dept of Conservation website)
We have spent two 6 month periods in New Zealand, 17 years ago, (gosh was it really that long)!, before our 3 kids arrived, and loved it, particulary Northland. At present on an 8 month house swap in Sicily but whilst here trying to focus on whether moving to NZ is really possible.

Looking forward to your replies,
Thanks,
Carey, Pete, Anna ,11, Clare ,8, and Robbie , 3.

[Aroha]

Hi Carey,
At this stage of the year there aren't a lot of jobs around because vacancies tend to be filled, so management know they have a full staff for the beginning of the new year. Primary schools break up around the 21st Deceember and go back in the first week of February. Throughout the year there seem to quite a few jobs come up, especialy in Auckland. I tend to look only in this area, this is because that's where I live. I have been teaching up until last year. I am still in education, but not teaching. However, still have reasonable knowledge of what is happening. Would advise looking at a webiste.
The site is NZ Education Gazette (educational vacancies) is available on line and always worth while looking at. The site is http://edgazette.govt.nz Certainly worthwhile looking in it and also has links to other educational pages etc.
Good luck. Feel free to ask me anything that you have a query with. By the way I am a kiwi.
I also know of an English couple who arrived from the UK this year. She secured a job in a primary school before leaving the UK. If need be, I could get info from her or maybe even get her to contact you directly.
Cheers
Heather

[Carey]

Hi Heather,
Thank you so much for replying, I kept logging on to find 0 replies and was so disappointed. Until just now!
Yes I've looked at the Gazette website, seems quite hard to really find out very much about the school from the info. given. I would love to be in contact directly with the English couple to quiz them further, do give them my details. Not sure how to do this, via email address's maybe?

We're at the stage of thinking 'Could we really leave our families?' We feel we could but their reaction when we breifly broached the subject was one of absolute horror, which doesn't make it very easy! We know we love the country, the people and the lifestyle but it's still a big decision.....

In your opininon, which are the 'good 'areas of Auckland ot work in. That is very subjective I know, but having worked in a mixture of schools in the uk, I prefer teaching in schools where discipline is of a fairly high standard, where you can 'teach' receptive kids. I also know schools can very enormouly depending on the Head and staff at any one time...

Thanks again Heather and I may well ask you more soon,
Carey

[Aroha]

Hi Carey
If you go into the edgazette website and click on 'school profile' it will give some information about the school. You should also be able to get into their latest Educational Review Office report (ERO) (You can find this near within the School Profile report) This review is carried out every 3 years, a Ministry of Education requirement and focusses on teaching, learning, student achievement and meeting community needs etc. A global report and findings are then submitted. There are many parts of Auckland that would be fine to teach in. Many schools that have been struggling in the past have government initiatives in place to improve student learning and focussed teaching....in all curriculum areas. In the past few years here there has been much emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Also lots of other initiatives are also happening....ICT, information literacy linked with the National Library of New Zealand. This is a free service to all NZ school...again with advisers and teachers can borrow books regularly (free of charge) from the Curriculum Services to support teaching and learning. They can be couriered out to schools also, if teachers don't come in and select themselves.
Rather than post specific areas (as you put it 'good' ) on this forum, I would rather email you later.
Auckland is a very much a multi-cultural city and over the past few years areas the demographics of the city has changed. As like in any city we have 'pockets' of different cultures within areas.
I will try and get hold of the English couple over the next week or so. I know them through a mutual friend, so will contact him to get their email address.

Hope this has been helpful Carey
Aroha :-

[Carey]

Hi Aroha,
yes very useful, thank you. Sorry for late reply, our internet has not been working for a week. Looking forward to hearing from the English couple, if you get the chance to contact them.
With best wishes,
Carey

[Aroha]

Hi Carey,
Sorry it's taken a while for me to reply. Just spoken to Helen (primary teacher who secured a job from the UK). She has given me her email address for you to contact her and is more than willing to offer advice.
Is: helenmacgrath1@hotmail.co.uk

Good luck, let me know how you get on.


Cheers
Aroha :D