Kia ora amazing colleagues.

Most photos I have as the "capture" for the audience usually has me with beautiful Wairakei children around me. This time, I thought I would show off my nice new jersey! 😊

Truth of the matter is ... my wife wanted to see if I was wearing the jersey she bought for me, so I sent her a pic as I was walking through the learning spaces. OK - that may be a bit more than you wanted to know, but to bring this back to our educational leadership ... how well do you know your staff personally? Do you make it part of catch up conversations to find out if there are any changes happening in their lives that you can celebrate or offer support with.

As the principal, I believe we have a great responsibility to ensure we know about our staff. Professor Peter O'Connor, Director of the Centre for Arts and Social Transformation, University of Auckland, talks so much about relationships. He has been a great advocate of relationships and the importance of wellbeing in schools for staff and for children. He has worked extensively with schools, particularly in Chch East ever since the earthquakes and still talks of the need to regularly check in with those in the school community - check in with the staff especially, because of how they are selfless and giving of their service to their school community.

I recently heard Peter talk about this and how especially as we navigate through the Covid-19 crisis, we as principals need to focus on "being slow, being deliberate, being calm" when working with our staff. Know what is happening in their lives and pick up on triggers.

I am extremely fortunate to have a leadership team working with me who are well grounded in wellbeing and support practices and who also support me and share in my celebrations. We have different social messaging groups, group emails and regular social sessions in which our staff participate. I know that you all have your own ways of connecting, but please take time to be present and know your staff - it is really important as we move through the next phase of our post NZ Covid crisis.

I am really looking forward to connecting with a lot of you in Hanmer  Springs this year. Please ensure that you read the article and book your place BEFORE August 1. 

Keep smiling

Shane

021 908033