Hi, I’m delighted to introduce myself to this wonderful rural school community. Over the past weeks, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed by students, colleagues, and whānau. Thank you for making the transition so warm and easy. I’ve spent many years teaching across Canterbury and Otago, and I’m passionate about literacy, social sciences, and really getting to know the whole child. I’m very aware that students are only with us for six hours a day and many of them lead wonderfully rich (and sometimes chaotic) lives outside school, and I love working with families to understand the full picture. My approach is firm but fair, with a fresh start offered every day. And in my classroom, no one gets left behind. When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me out walking my dog, pottering in the garden (or admiring other people’s much tidier ones!), or enjoying a good glass of pinot noir. I feel very lucky to now live close enough to walk to school each day, a simple pleasure that I appreciate more than I expected. I have four adult children who check in regularly, usually when they need relationship advice, money, or both! I am also enjoying the convenience of being able to pop up to Kaikōura to visit my elderly parents and my farming brother and sister-in-law. I’m thoroughly enjoying becoming part of this community and looking forward to getting to know more of you. If you see me at the A & P Show, please come and say hello, I’d love to meet you. Ngā mihi nui, Steph McConchie