Keep Up Weekly: Stories that matter (and a first-world whinge)

Each week, I dig through the noise to bring you insights that help us understand and navigate the world our kids are living in, along with helpful resources to reduce the overwhelm of staying informed. 

Let’s dive in! 

1. From RNZ’s The Detail: NZ school system not making the grade

If you’ve read my intro post, you’ll know that I’m on a journey to better understand the New Zealand school system (and global education trends in general). This isn’t about micromanaging my kids’ learning or adding more pressure to our already stretched teachers (who truly are angels on earth). Instead, I'm looking to gain a deeper understanding so I can better support my kids and advocate for improved working conditions for teachers.

This podcast, by RNZ’s The Detail, offers a valuable – and worrying – snapshot of the gaps in our school system and how it compares to those overseas. It also explores the re-emergence of charter schools.

Key stats that hit home: 

• The teacher shortage was described as “dire”, with approximately 350 full-time positions unfilled for 2025. Principals are reporting that they are hiring teachers why would not have considered otherwise.
• Around 7,500 teachers are over the age of 65, with approximately 700 of them being over 75. This could worsen the teacher shortage as these teachers retire.
• Only 64% of students attempted NCEA Level One in 2024.

A few thoughts:

Well, this wasn’t an uplifting listen. It angers me how hard teachers have to fight just to preserve their energy and continue educating our kids. While I'm not qualified to judge whether the government's changes will make a difference, I do feel better for being informed.

2. Worth a listen: The Principals Podcast

“Experienced school leaders and officials share stories and offer tips about leading schools in Aotearoa New Zealand”.

This podcast is aimed at aspiring or new principals, but it’s super fascinating to listen to as a parent, as it gives you a front-row seat into some of the challenges of the top job.

3. Keeping me sane: Calm News With Jessica Yellin

I’ve been trying to keep up with news from the US and it’s led to more than a few sleepless nights. At one point, I thought I had a cavity because my jaw was sore — turns out, I’d been clenching my teeth in my sleep! I’ve since stopped taking my phone to bed and have been much more careful with my news consumption.

One source I can handle without spiralling into overwhelm is Jessica Yellin. She recently did a great podcast with Glennon and Amanda Doyle on We Can Do Hard Things. Before diving into the news, she shared some mindfulness practices to help us stay informed without falling into panic – and without losing our sense of agency in the process.

4. Something my teacher bestie wants you to know

I’m lucky to be best friends with a primary school teacher who gives me an unfiltered, no-BS peek into her world. She has one plea for parents of kids with separation anxiety at the school gate: leave calmly, confidently, and quickly! The sooner you go, the sooner the teacher can step in to comfort your child. Most kids won't accept comfort from the teacher when their favourite person in the world – you! – is still there.

I often struggle to follow her advice as it goes against almost every parental instinct I have when my child is lingering at drop off. But she reassures me that nine times out of ten, the kids settle quickly, and it’s better for everyone involved if parents keep it short and sweet. 

Got a question for my teacher bestie? She's kindly offered to answer one each week! Comment below.

5. First-world whinge of the week: Leaving the house in the morning 

I called my husband this morning after finally getting the kids in the car, and this is how the conversation went:

Me: “Hi, do you have a minute?”

Him: “Yeah?”

Me: “OK, I need to whinge. Why is it that every morning, everyone is 99.9% ready on time, and then actually leaving the house seems to take an age?! The kids were doing so well, but as soon as we needed to get into the car, they decided it was the perfect moment to change their hairstyles, apply more sunscreen (“look mum I’m a snowman”), put on an impromptu dance show, and cackle like they’d just downed five shots of vodka?!”

Him: “....”

Me: “Thanks for letting me rant, byeeeeee.”

I’m happy to see my kids so happy, but one day I'd love to leave the house without the one-metre journey from the garage to the car taking the better part of 30 minutes. Is that too much to ask?!

And that’s a wrap for this edition! I'd love to hear your thoughts – feel free to share them in the comments below. 💛