The Principal's Perspective

Duane Major Co Board Chair

Duane is an inspirational leader who has the school's vision close to his heart. He is totally committed to our school being at the heart of the local community and making a difference for all of the students and their families. He is my sounding board and at times can gently pull me back to our real purpose as a school, not that I get distracted that often. He leads with moral purpose and is unrelenting in his goal to raise student achievement in our school. His support and loyalty to our staff makes him a compassionate listener and a pro-active thinker. His energy wears me out but I do love him. Thanks Ruth for being such a fantastic wife and letting us have Duane to lead our school.

Rosemary Goodyear Co Board Chair

Rosemary is the other part of the board chair and the third part of the puzzle that makes the team of Principal and Board Chairs. She is the logic and reason part of our partnership. Rosemary thinks in graphs and stats and provides the detail that Duane and I may overlook. Her committment to our school is unwavering. She too is a listening ear and the voice of reason when the going gets tough. Her support has made the difference as change has been introduced and embedded in our school. Her respect for our staff and their profession brings credibility and moral purpose to her role.

Suzanne Williams Deputy Principal

Suzanne carries responsibility for the junior school and has a key role in progressing our school into the future. Sometimes she laughs at my jokes and I like her even more! Suzanne manages a large portfolio including all of the social enrichment programmes we offer here like Adventure Group, SHARP, Christchurch Children's Holiday Camps Trust and many other opportunities. Suzanne takes a "steady as she goes" stance and is a good foil for a Principal who gets crazy ideas and just wants to do them!

Maata Smith Deputy Principal

Maata and I share a birth date. Sometimes we are just too much alike. Maata has responsibility for the senior team and along with Suzanne picks up responsibility for a lot of other initiatives and leadership in the school including Restorative Practice.There's never a dull moment when Maata is on form. I admit I love it when I am right and she is not! Not that I am competitive at all.Maata is an exceptional advocate for children and will defend the rights of all children to have fair access to life and learning. I think it's called having a "heart of Gold" and being fearless if it means making a difference for a child.

Donna Buchanan Assistant Principal and ICT Lead Teacher

Shirley Haynes. Year 3/4 teacher

Shirley is irrepressible. Nothing is too hard for her and she always finds time to have a good laugh. Shirley is the driving force behind our kapahaka and is a speaker of te reo Maori. This year Shirley is leading staff development around Ka Hikitia and Ta Taiako.Shirley also introduced Jump Jam to our teachers and the children three years ago. She made us learn some of the dances while we were in Hanmer in January 2009. No big deal for her as she looks good in tights. How can a school not be successful with a team like this?

Janice Krammer SENCO and Home/School Partnership.

Danielle Capill Third /FourthYear Teacher and Sports Coordinator

Danielle is part of our team and has "picked up" choir and sports organization again this year. I still remember her face on her first teacher only day -it reminded me of an oppossum caught in the headlights. I'm not sure anything can prepare one for the reality of teaching. It's like trying to board an express train that will not slow down at your stop.The great thing is that Danielle is enjoying the ride and having a say in the direction that the train is headed. Her dad is a Principal too so I like Danielle a lot or he gets on my case. Nah. I'd like her anyway because she , like the other teachers at our school, has a heart for children and learning. Danielle has taken on new challenges this year and has had a change of teaching level. Her attitude is what gives her the edge.

Angie Malae Beginning Teacher Years3/4

Lucky us. She did it. Ange is qualified to begin her teaching career. We are delighted that she is on our team. Last year she was instrumental in establishing the Pasifika Cultural Group with about 80 students participating. It was unreal. Where there's trouble or a good laugh you will find and hear Ange. Her laugh is infectious and her generosity and caring for others knows no bounds.Angeline was also the recipient of the 2011 Canterbury University High Achievers' Award for Teacher Training.

Jude Lange Part Time Teacher

Jude has brought a range of team teaching skills to her roles as the other part of Room 9 teaching team.I knew Jude as a beginning teacher and it has been a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I still remember Jude's c.v. and she has lived up to her desire to travel and seek adventure. That fits right in with our belief that learning is an adventure and should be fun. Jude began here as a day to day reliever and we liked her so much we asked her to do more. It is vital to the success of our school that we have people who are partners in the same dream for the children. Jude is a partner in our Triple A vision.

The Principal's Perspective

Monday, January 2, 2012

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