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How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I started my training at Auckland Teachers College in 1985, so I have been in primary teaching for a long time.
During my training I drove trucks, worked in glasshouses, and was a territorial soldier.
I have also been a volunteer fire fighter, soccer coach and referee, member of the Pukekohe Performing Arts and a Justice of the Peace.
Working in schools is a life of giving back.
When did you become principal of Valley School?
I started as principal in 1995 after three years as principal at Paparimu School.
That gives me 34 years leading schools. Prior to that, I had various roles in South Auckland schools.
I have also been very fortunate in watching my four children and two of my grandchildren become Valley kids.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
The kids. Helping them achieve, helping them grow as people, helping them become confident in their abilities, has always been about the kids.
To grow great kids in a school you need great staff, and I have had the pleasure of working alongside amazing people at Valley School over the years.
What’s special about Valley School?
We have great kids, great staff, and great parents. We all work together to make learning enjoyable and make Valley a safe second home.
Our school rules are simple: Let teachers teach, let students learn, show respect to each other, and make school a safe place.
Our motto is “Ko te Mahi Tona Ake Utu, Effort Brings Reward.”
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
I have been in education for a long time and seen multiple curriculum changes by multiple governments who all think they know best.
The result is that every few years we go round in circles with major change.
My wish would be to get all political parties in the same room, with all the professional education groups, and come up with one education strategy and policy that is agreed to by all parties.
Then all political parties must agree to stick to it without turning education into a political vote catching football.
I have seen so much wasted time and energy over the years with every government having the next best idea and turning schools on their heads to make often meaningless change.
We are only going to make real, sustained progress when we have cross party agreement in education.
How is the relationship between Valley School and its immediate local community?
We are part of the community and the community is part of us.
We have a strong Board of Trustees and a strong PTA helping us achieve and grow. Our parents share and support our strong desire to find success for our kids every day.
We are so fortunate that our parents do the very best they can to send us kids who are ready to learn each day.
