Tēnā koe, Talofa Lava, Mālō e lelei, Sanibonani, parents, caregivers, whānau and students
Well done on your school term students and whanau. Throughout this term we've encountered a vast array of learning and life experiences at AJHS. These experiences shape us in such exciting and different ways, enabling transferable skills, attitudes and dispositions towards our daily life.
Over the last few weeks we have had a significant number of teachers and relief teachers absent due to winter illnesses. This has required our support staff, teachers and senior leaders working closely together to continue our teaching and learning environment. I have loved teaching in a range of year levels and specialist classes, enjoying our students' spirits and learning celebrations.
Over the past 34 years, my teaching and leadership career has been across primary, secondary, tertiary and in the private sector. Like many of you, I have seen a tremendous shift in our young people, especially our adolescents. The themes of behaviour that were once very rare, are now increasing and evolving into real and complex issues for schools. Being a school leader and teacher has always provided the reward of making a difference in the lives of others; and continues to do so. However, responding to new behavioural and diverse learning challenges is posing new complex conditions for our staff, to our other students, and for our parents. We are striving to continually meet the diverse needs of our students to achieve inclusivity and safety for all.
I recently shared information with you about vaping. Vaping continues to grow in momentum for many of our youth, who are not just under age, but more significantly, are being impacted with health outcomes like addiction and severe conditions such as ‘popcorn lungs’. As schools, we work within the Ministry of Education (MoE) guidelines, with expert advisors; we have policies and processes to respond to our diverse scenarios, and we have a team of very experienced Whanau Deans, Curriculum and Senior Leaders who all gain advice and follow processes to work with our student body.
As Principal at Albany Junior High School, I have the duty of care for every one of our 1167 students and staff members during each and every school day. It is a responsibility I take very seriously and passionately. Moving through ‘these times’ requires all of us to work together, in partnership, to ensure our students, our tamariki, have the best outcomes to prepare them for their next steps. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone is tackling a more intensive lifestyle, and everyone has their own individual challenges. Let’s ensure we keep seeking understanding and clarity to trust in each other; let us journey together to love and equip our students - day by day.
Early in Term 4, during Week 4, we have our Year 9 and 10 exam experience. Your child has received specific testing advice and guidance, resources, and personalised conditions, if required. This experience is focused on preparing our students for the coming years at secondary school by giving them a ‘real experience’ with intensive support, formal protocols, and the opportunity for feedback to better equip them.
Thank you for your support, and for those of you taking some time out, please enjoy your holiday break te whānau. Take care.
Cushla Shepherd, Principal/Tumuaki
Albany Junior High School