What Parents do ....

When you listen to news and read the headlines these days it is easy to get disillusioned about where society is heading. I am always so reassured about the future and our kids future when I see just what parents do. In the last few weeks I have seen parents

• sewing costumes
• making soup
• putting endless books and readers away at school
• cooking sausages at a band practice
• standing in the freezing cold watching their children play hockey, soccer and netball
• standing in the glorious sun to catch a glimpse of their child as they run the cross country
• transporting them to band play-outs
• dropping off instruments for music practice
• parking their car so they can walk to school with their child and their friends, and racing off to work
• sitting in on te reo Maori lessons with their child
• turning up to assembly to watch their child's class run assembly
• listening to their child sing the same songs over and over again so they know them by heart for their musical production
• ringing the school to find out how a long the show will be so they know how much time they need to take off work
• taking hockey, netball and mini-ball practice after school
• popping in to help with sport
• turning up each day for parent help in the class
• helping with PMP
• and I could go on and on...

These are just some of the examples of what parents do - they make such a positive difference in their own and other children's lives by simply being their and providing another adult for children to see in a positive supportive and caring role. Of course this is the only some of the stuff I see, I don't see what happens at home but I can tell when a child has had adults take an active interest in them by talking about their day, ensuring they are ready to learn the next day by being well fed, rested and prepared for the school day. All of this helps children make the most of these developmental years and also provides them with an example of parenting for their future. Not all children have the same advantages and access to positive adults and role models fro a huge array of reasons beyond their control. Everytime you you are doing something with and fro your child that benefits another you are potentially making a difference to someone else's future. What an awesome responsibility and legacy, so keep up the good work and realise the value you add every day.

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

The Impact of Role Models

Today I saw a very real example of the importance of role models to our students. Our Kapahaka has been working hard this year and for three weeks now we have had the support of some very talented secondary students. These boys or young men have given their time to come over for their lunch hour each Wednesday to work with our boys on their haka. I was at the practice today when I saw them enter the room and there was marked change in atmosphere. Our students afforded these young people real respect, yes some of it would be because they are cool big kids, but most of it was because they were spending some time with them, valuing them and sharing their skills. The level of performance and engagement rose. I spoke with the three young people afterwards and told them how impressed I was with their generosity and commitment and they were humble but also very pleased to have been asked. I was particularly proud to acknowledge one of these fine young men as he was a past pupil. The sense of pride you experience when you see these young people contributing in this way gives me strong hope for the future of all young people. We are all role models to those younger than ourselves, and we can make a huge difference by simply taking time to acknowledge the efforts of others.

It reminds me of a quote....
"I may forget what you said, but I'll never forget how you made me feel." unknown

Busy Week

This week has been an incredibly busy week at Waimataitai. I needed to keep checking my diary more than usual just to see where I was meant to be there was so much on and then I still didn't manage to make it to some things, however I really can't be in two places at once. After you have finished reading this I suggest you check out the other class blogs particularly those In Learning Team 2 as they have had a very culinary week!! Today I enjoyed a very tasty Mexican meal at Room 4's "Amigo's Restaurant". All week I have been treated to a dining experience in with the classes in Learning Team 2 - a great effort. This would not have been possible without the enthusiastic and supportive response and input from the parents of these children. The look of delight on the faces of the students when they saw their parents arrive to be seated for their meal and the pride of the parents as they experienced what was very good service ( think we could teach some others a thing or two!!). I would be interested to know if the skills displayed this week transfer to home??????
There was also the South Canterbury Swimming Sports and I was delighted to hear the feedback of those who attended - that our students were outstanding in their behaviour and attitude ( of course) as I was unable to get there.

We had two of the Otago Nuggets ( basketballers) visit today and they spent some time with 20 of our more enthusiastic basketballers. It was great to hear them say our students displayed the best fundamental basketball skills they have seen to date and they also added - and "we have been to a lot of schools".

Our week finished off with the "House Tug of War". Great to see so many parents turn up and then to take each other on in house teams. These things create the memorable moments in your children's minds, the times when they realise just how important they are when they see their parents taking part. Great effort and thanks for making a difference in your child's life.

Waimataitai Winning Wai learners

What great effort well done Waimataitai, Tino pai te mahi