How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I have been in education for 26 years, which does make me feel a little old when I think of that! Fourteen of those years have been as a principal.
I trained in Auckland and Dunedin, completing a Bachelor of Education Teaching, and later returned to study to complete a Certificate in Educational Leadership and Management.
Throughout that time, I have been lucky to learn and work alongside some amazing educators, students and communities, both here in New Zealand and in England. I really appreciate the learning I have had along the way, and the people who have supported, challenged and encouraged me. I still enjoy learning new things every day, which is one of the great things about working in education.
When did you become the principal of Harrisville School?
I became principal of Harrisville School in 2017. Before that, I was principal of Te Paina School in Mercer. Next year, Harrisville School will be celebrating 150 years. When you think about that, my time here is only a small part of the school’s story. I see my role a bit like being a caretaker for this period of time, doing my best to look after the school and leave it in a strong place for those that come after us.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
The best thing about being an educator and principal is the people. Every day is different, and every day you have the chance to make a difference.
I love seeing young people grow in confidence, take on challenges, and realise they are capable of more than they first thought. I also really enjoy supporting teachers, staff, and other principals.
Schools are full of superstars who work incredibly hard, and it is a privilege to support them to do the best job they can for our students.
As a principal, you get to help shape the culture of a school. You get to build relationships with students, staff, whānau and the community, and create an environment where people feel valued, supported and proud to belong. That is a pretty special thing to be part of.
What’s special about Harrisville School?
Harrisville School is special because of its people. We have amazing students, staff, whānau, Board of Trustees and a community who work hard, genuinely care about the school, and want the best for our children.
We are a country school with a rural heart and strong values. Our 4Rs Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Relationships guide the way we learn and work together every day.
One of the things I love about Harrisville is the opportunities that are on offer. We have high expectations for learning and behaviour, while also providing awesome opportunities for our students through camps, school trips, productions, pet day, sport, leadership, Education Outside of the classroom and community events. These experiences help children build confidence, friendships, and memories that stay with them long after they leave Harrisville.
Our aim is for every child to feel known, safe and supported, while being challenged and encouraged to give things a go, continue growing as learners, and leave Harrisville as kind, confident and capable young people with a love of learning.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
That could be a very long answer! But the main thing I would like to see is more stability with more collaboration across education.
Schools are managing a lot of change at the moment: curriculum, assessment, reporting, attendance, learning support, property, compliance, and wellbeing. These things are all important, but constant change can make it hard for schools to keep momentum and focus on what matters most – our students.
I would like to see a cross-party agreement from the Government around the big things in education, so schools do not have to change direction every few years or education being used as a political football.
Most importantly, we need to keep the child at the centre of decision-making. Schools, whānau, communities, agencies and government need to work together to do everything we can to support children to learn, grow and succeed.
How is the relationship between Harrisville School and its immediate local community?
We are lucky to be part of a community that genuinely cares about the school and wants to be involved.
Harrisville has always had a real country school feel, where the school is an important part of the wider community. Our families, Board of Trustees, HSC, local businesses, past families and community members support the school in so many ways through Pet Day, Gala, working bees, sports, school trips, fundraising, and simply turning up and getting behind our children.
We also value our relationships beyond our school gates. Harrisville is part of a wider education community, and we have strong connections with other local schools and the Franklin Principals’ Association. Those relationships are really important because they allow us to work together, support each other, share ideas, and make sure we are doing the best we can for children across Franklin.
As we look ahead to celebrating 150 years next year, it reminds us that Harrisville School has been part of this community for generations. We are proud of our history and the people who have shaped the school over that time.
