E tipu e rea - grow tender young shootLet's talk strategy

"A vision without a strategy remains an illusion"

Kia ora e te whānau

This week we sent ourr revised strategic plan and annual plan to the Ministry of Education.

The New Zealand Ministry of Education (MoE) provides clear guidance on strategic planning for schools, emphasizing that schools must develop a two-year strategic plan alongside an annual implementation plan. Here are the key points:

1. Strategic Plan

• Schools currently must have a two-year strategic plan that aligns with the Board’s vision, values, and objectives.

• The plan should be student-centered, focusing on equity, excellence, and wellbeing.

• Schools are required to set long-term goals that reflect national education priorities, such as The New Zealand Curriculum (NZC), Te Whāriki (for early childhood), Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and improving student achievement.

• The strategic plan should be reviewed and updated regularly in consultation with the school community, including whānau, students, and staff.

2. Annual Implementation Plan

• Schools must create an annual implementation plan, which breaks down the steps needed to achieve strategic goals.

• The plan should include specific actions, targets, and measures of success.

• Schools report on their progress annually to the Ministry.

Our full 2025 Annual Plan will be loaded to our school website for you next week. This Annual Plan sets the direction for our kura. It also meets the Ministry mandates for new curriculum implementation in Maths and Literacy and a focus on Attendance, as well as the pieces of work we as a community prioritised in 2023 for the 2024/25 Strategic Plan.

As well as posting it to the website our Strategic Teams will be using the newsletter to share with you updates on their intiatives and celebrate the successes.

As we head into 2026 along side board elections is September we want to make sure you can see how you can contribute to and understand our priorities along side those of the ministry as we continue to grow asa kura and respond to the challenges and opportunites growth presetns us with.

One of my top strengths is Strategic, which means I naturally look at the big picture, identify patterns, and find the best way forward. I enjoy thinking ahead, anticipating challenges, and making decisions that will benefit our students, staff, and school community in the long run.

This strength helps me:

• Plan with a clear vision, ensuring our school is always moving forward.

• Quickly adapt when unexpected challenges arise, keeping learning on track.

• Connect different ideas and opportunities to create the best outcomes for our students.

An added bonus is that my Strategic strength is partnered with Communication, Empathy, Positivity, and Woo. This means that not only do I see the way forward, but I also enjoy sharing that vision clearly, connecting with people, and bringing others along on the journey.

I continue to strive to create a school environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and inspired to be part of something great. Together, these strengths help me lead with both purpose and heart, ensuring our school continues to thrive.

As we head into the weekend I am looking forward to strategically navigating my way through the Food Show —sampling the yummies, plotting the most efficient route through the stall, and grabbing some bargains. I’ll be cheering on NZ’s top chefs like a reality TV judge, pretending I have the palate of a food critic, and ensuring I don’t accidentally spend my entire grocery budget on artisan chutneys. Just like at school, I’ll approach it with a plan, enthusiasm, and the extra special ability to laugh at myself when I inevitably try something way too spicy!

Have a fabulous weekend. And thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to build a strong future together!

Arohanui

Donna