|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
After I finished school, I became a Youth Worker. After two years, I decided I wanted to be in the classroom every day, so I started my journey to become a teacher. I studied at a small teaching training provider called the Masters Institute, which has now become part of Laidlaw College. Since training, I have been in education for 19 years.
When did you become the principal of Te Hihi School?
I was appointed to the role of principal of Te Hihi School in Term 2, 2024. So I have nearly
completed one year in the job.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
In life, I have so many goals, but the two things that motivate me are the drive to make a
difference and to have fun while I’m doing it. When I was teaching, I loved building relationships with my students and helping them push themselves to achieve in ways they didn’t think were possible. I got to cheer them on, to celebrate their strengths and laugh along the way. Now, in my role as the principal, I get to do this for a whole school!
It is my job to maximise opportunities and reduce barriers for the students and teachers at Te Hihi. I aim to create the conditions where the children can excel in a variety of ways, take risks, try new things and experience success.
Crafting these opportunities and seeing how the students rise to the occasion is the greatest privilege I can think of.
What’s special about Te Hihi School?
Te Hihi School is nestled in a stunning rural setting with horses and cattle on either side. Yet it is a short drive from the heart of Papakura (and KFC). Te Hihi combines a proud heritage with modern resources. We’re a school where the kids run barefoot, climb trees at break times and eagerly anticipate our annual Ag Day. We embrace our rural character while fostering a dynamic, fun, and nurturing learning environment.
Te Hihi is a full primary going, from Year 1 all the way to Year 8. It is a school that offers a
wide range of opportunities, but where you still know everyone’s name.
Put simply, Te Hihi school is a slice of paradise.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
There are always things that could be done better. One major area is how we support students with additional needs. Every school wants to support their learners to achieve their best, but we do not always have the resources to make this a reality. Our current learning support system puts each school in competition with each other, instead of being child-focused or needs-focused.
A school or educational system is only as good as the quality of the teachers. I think we need to look creatively at how we attract and train our new teachers. Teaching is the best job in the world, and it would be great to see it celebrated.
It is an exciting time in education, with many changes being implemented. None of these areas of improvement is insurmountable, and if we work together to create a long-term educational strategy, it will better support our students moving forward.
How is the relationship between Te Hihi School and its immediate local community?
I am new to the area, but I know Te Hihi School is held in high regard by the community.
Recently, we held a working bee and we had so many families attend, the car park was full. We ended up weeding and trimming three truckloads of green waste, as a result, the school is looking fantastic.
We regularly have a large contingent of families attend our school assemblies, and I enjoy having a chat at the school gate at the start of every day.
We have a very active Friends of Te Hihi School or FOTHS group that runs events and fundraises for the school, allowing us to provide the experiences that make school memorable.
Over summer, our fantastic pool is well utilised by the locals who purchase keys, many with no direct connection to the school or with children at other schools. I enjoy walking over and meeting new people on sunny afternoons.
The biggest demonstration of community support is our annual Ag Day. With so many members of the community and local businesses supporting and donating to make the event a success.
