We are now in week 7 and I am absolutely loving my role as principal, working with the staff and meeting the children, parents, board of trustees and PTA. The school culture is something this community should be very proud of. The children have such wonderful attitudes, established relationships and obviously look out for each other. I knew this already, but on returning it has re-affirmed my belief that this is a special school and community.
Introducing me…
I am married to Pip (Philippa) from Hawkes Bay, have 2 girls at University in the South Island, 15 sheep and 1 Wiltshire ram, 1 red and white border collie and have lived approximately 16 years in Kauri on a lifestyle block. As a northland boy I returned to Whangarei to the deputy principal Y7/8 position at Maungatapere, then my first principal position at Otaika Valley School 12 years ago. I have taught in South Auckland, and Taradale in Napier prior to this.
My wife and I are now empty nesters who have taken up golf together. I own a 4.7m senator tinny and love fishing, and have nearly worn the motor out fishing, sea-biscuiting and water skiing the children of our camping crew and at school camps. Camping, tramping, diving, DOC camping, water skiing is something that lives strongly in my veins. I also enjoy reading and my job and particularly enjoy engaging with the children throughout the day.
My major focus so far this year has been getting to know the children and as many parents as I can. It was such a pleasure spending two days and one night with the Y5/6 classes at Lonsdale Camp up by Matauri Bay. The children were exceptionally positive, fun, and most of all very supportive of each other during any challenging activities. All of the parents who supported the camp were fully involved, and completely made this experience memorable and rewarding for everyone involved. Well done to a fantastic team of teachers who put considerable effort into planning such safe and challenging events. This week is the Y7/8 EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) week. The 75 children have been completely mixed up into 3 groups and spend a day at the Poor Knight Islands, at Adventure Forrest and Parua Bay yachting, kayaking and swimming, then a final day all together at school with Rock Up. The feedback from yesterday’s group to the Poor Knights on the Perfect Day was just that, the
perfect day. The children snorkelled, paddle boarded and kayaked. Kingfish, sunfish, 20lb snapper, caves and exceptionally clear water were just some of the experiences I heard about. I have had the pleasure of another fantastic group today at the Adventure Forest, and sit here writing this newsletter waiting for the Poor Knights group to arrive back at 5pm. Tomorrow I am out to the Poor Knights. Both of the Y5/6 camp and the Y7/8 EOTC week have allowed me to learn many of the names by sharing experiences with the children. Taking camps and EOTC has always been one of my favourite activities over the years. Children, teachers and parents form a much stronger bond during these times. Being involved in the children’s learning, trips and events is important to me, but does present me with challenges getting up to speed with a new school. Somethings that normally happen will take a bit more time than usual, like this first newsletter. I hope you can be patient with me while I take in the many dimensions of a new school.
On Sunday, I met some of the hardworking PTA and their helpers setting up the Maunga Mayhem. The whole course was impressive and looks to be an epic event. The 5km event out the back of the farm, through a creek bed and up a rope or ladder looks to be a true challenge. The work that parents of this community have put into this event is huge, as will be the money raised by the PTA to put back into this school.
