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A link to my reflections for 2019

A Place for Reflections 2019


Term One


Numbers up unexpectedly.  Challenges in compromised spaces due to build
Build all go and going ahead of schedule!
Negotiating to get extra buildings bought on from UC
Some great work, collaborative leadership projects started with SLT
Suzi Gould helping our SLT to also unpack the team inquiries with a focus on key comps/maths.  This work around key comps and the curriculum and the student engagement work will form the basis of my leadership inquiry.
COL work exciting - especially Student Engagement Project!
15 March knocked us all.  Lockdown managed well considering it was an extended one. Good to be able to review it as a school/BOT immediately.
Restarting on the 18th was one of my most difficult times as a principal.
By the end of the term we were all shattered.  It has taken an emotional toll. We were ready for rest.


Term Two
Buildings from UC on site for start of the term - plenty to do to get them ready for use and manage the changing outside environment during a winter term.
The collaboration with UC and three of our local community businesses and whānau class students was a real highlight. Authentic CRP, engagement with the community and extending our Māori children with their Te Reo and their pride in being Māori and being successful.
Another police enforced lockdown on our ARP celebration day/hangi Friday afternoon at 2.55 tested us all once again. The staff all managed our procedures really well and it was lifted at 4.15. A long day, starting at 6.30 for hangi and leaving at 7pm after finishing everything up.
Four weeks of constant staff sickness and a lack of available relievers stretched our resources and took it's toll on keeping the children settled.
Finished the term reading the mid year achievement and progress comments - so many heartening and positive progress comments for our children.
The choir were also a real highlight at NthWest festival - stealing the show on their performance night!
Seeing close to 90 children complete the Pack Horse tramp in stunning conditions was fantastic - our Breens Challenge award of service, outdoor pursuit and personal skill/hobby is in it's third year and makes such an impact for our yr 8s.
Loved seeing so many children for meetings to tell me about their learning and be awarded with a Breens badge.


Term Three
The property work is on track for being finished so we can move all 200 children from Aoraki and Hereora into new classrooms.
The work with the technology team has been frustrating at times and incredibly time intensive. A fine line between consulting with the team and ensuring that the design work is realistic and moves on so we can get the project started!
The school production was a highlight - a real team effort by all the staff and students. Every single child involved and it was a joy too see them all smiling and having fun on the stage!
We engaged with whānau and iwi to plan for holding a blessing for the buildings before we move the children in. It was positive to be able to get everyone on the same page and create an environment where the whānau could really take a lead on this event with me in support/facilitation.
I learnt a lot from this work with the whānau and iwi, another step towards becoming a truly culturally responsive leader.
The Māori Achievement Collaborative national in Taranaki was a wonderful learning experience for Nathan and I to attend together. We learnt so much and it was great to be there together as we spent extended time on the marae, learning about NZ history and in particular visiting Parihaka for the day.
Attending the NZ PB4L conference in Auckland with two of my senior leaders was a real highlight. We were able to connect and network with other schools who are doing interesting things in PB4L. In particular, we enjoyed the sessions that we attended which were focused on children who have experienced trauma.

Term Four

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