Kia ora whānau

What a term this has been! On 25 March, the eve of COVD-19 Lockdown, I said to the BHS Community: We are in uncharted waters, with no reference book for this experience. In the unprecedented times that have followed, I am proud of what each of us has done, and what our small country has achieved. We are the envy of many around the world!

It is hard to believe that six weeks have passed since we returned to school onsite. The eight weeks of Alert Levels 4, 3 and 2 are behind us, and we sometimes have to remind ourselves that we still must not relax. We still must maintain our safety.

I believe that students and staff are genuinely enjoying being back at school, seeing friends, with face-to-face teaching and the busy routine of school life. Term 2 at school has been a time for us to focus on teaching and learning, with extra-curricular activities on hold. We are so pleased that interschool sport, cultural events, and performances are beginning again; and look forward to more of these in the second half year.

As I mentioned to you all before we returned to school, I urge you to keep a record of these extraordinary times. We all have a different story to tell and it is good to record them in some way. I took photographs, which I shared with students at the assemblies this week. In considering that our perspectives may have been changed, and our response to those changes, I quoted: You can’t adjust the wind but you can adjust the sails accordingly.

Since our return to school, we have surveyed staff and students to help us learn from our experiences, and to help redefine what the new normal at Burnside High School should be. Some of the changes required under each Alert Level proved to be an enhancement to our school systems. Thank you for your support and cooperation through these many changes.

I photographed the Teddy Bear (see photo below): a symbol of Kindness. Teddy bears were seen everywhere around our neighbourhoods during Lockdown. My favourite was this one.

The words of our Prime Minister still ring out clearly in my mind. Kia kaha, kia manawanui kotahi - be strong, be kind. Kindness aligns with Burnside’s core value of Manaakitanga –be respectful. We show care, concern and compassion for classmates, for friends, for teachers, for the Burnside High School community. Having empathy for others, being aware of and appreciating that everyone has their own story and that often we don’t know everything about those stories. To take the time to find out more before making judgements and assumptions, by asking questions first. We can all do better in this regard.

In uncertain times, it is important to be clear about what we can and cannot control. I focus on my attitude, because that is something I can control. My preferred approach is to be positive and to look for the good in people. Every day I try to be kind to everyone I have contact with. Regarding the strength of kindness the Dalai Lama says: "Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance or my kindness for weakness. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength."

I also spoke at assemblies about success. I like The Iceberg Illusion in the photo below. If we concentrate on the factors that appear below the waterline, we have a good chance of achieving our goals. As students and staff look forward to a well-earned break, it is timely to refocus on our 2020 goals. Thank you for what you have done this term; and for what you will continue to do. Let’s work together to make 2020 a successful year.  

Ngā mihi nui

Phil Holstein

Principal