Science week

This week we tried a new initiative with a science week. We often find that students perceptions of science are those they get from a more formalised view of labs and test tubes and Bunsen burners. However science is everywhere and this week we endeavoured to really reinforce this. The staff chose an area of science which would both appeal to children and be relevant to their everyday world. Over the week each class visited 8 different classrooms and teachers and explored 8 different areas of science. This has been hugely successful on so many levels. The teachers loved being exposed to different students and meeting them in this way and for some it was with an age level they really have had minimal experience of. I must say it was great to see the year 8 teachers working with Junior students and vice versa. I think they realised that they were really just the same simply a operating at a different level, the beauty of our students is that they are so motivated and curious. There was a real buzz in the school.
There will be photos on the website under "What's Happening?"

Learning and Words

During the term break I attended an excellent conference, NZEALS the New Zealand Educational Administration Leaders Conference. It is an international conference held every two years and it attracts people from all sectors of education ; early childhood, primary secondary, tertiary, polytechnics, training providers, Ministry of Education and Education Review Office. It is a conference I enjoy because it looks at the Macro issues, the big picture with leadership in education . I find it a useful time to reflect on my role as a leader and also an educator and always come back re-invigorated with an increased list of things to do and think about ...... Not always easy on the staff so I gradually drip feed my ideas and sow seeds as good things taken time. Two quotes that were used which I enjoyed were..



Good news time flies

Bad news you're the pilot...



I used to be uncertain – now I’m not so sure ..........



I use quotes a lot with both staff and students as I find that they often provide real prompts and cues for thinking and often something to help clarify your thinking. The one that we have on the board in our conference room where the leadership team and Board meets provides me with daily motivation.;

You don't need to be sick to get better.

It is a little like our school Motto; STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

Whaia te iti kahurangi- me he tuohu koe ki te maunga teitei

which translates as; Pursue your dream to the fullest,

If you should fail let it be to a lofty mountain