Kia ora e te whānau,

I am thrilled and honoured to introduce myself as your new Principal at Fernside School, Term 1 2025! From the moment I first stepped onto our beautiful school grounds, I knew this was a truly special place. As a local resident who lives and works in this incredible area, I'm genuinely excited to be joining a community that already feels like home.

On a personal note, I'm a proud parent of two wonderful teenagers , and I share my life with my amazing partner and our beloved dog, Hazel. Like many of you, I spend my weekends cheering from the sidelines of various sports fields and activities, supporting my children in their pursuits. My own childhood was filled with unique experiences as I grew up traveling the world with my family while my father served in the army. These experiences gave me a global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse communities and cultures. When I'm not at school, you might find me in my garden, where I find joy and peace working with plants - a passion that aligns perfectly with our school's rural character!

I'm already in love with our school's thoughtful design and beautiful surroundings. Our 12 classrooms are arranged in a way that truly enhances learning, organised into 4 hubs. Each classroom carries the name of a native fern - a detail I find particularly special as it connects our learning spaces to New Zealand's natural heritage. You'll notice these fern names appearing throughout our school documentation, a reminder of our connection to the natural world around us.

Our innovative classroom design brilliantly balances individual and collaborative learning spaces. Children can move fluidly between areas, and teachers can expand their teaching spaces when needed - creating dynamic learning environments that adapt to our students' needs. The beautifully maintained grounds provide plenty of room for our children to explore, play, and discover, supporting both their physical activity and their connection to nature.

You'll find me to be an energetic, approachable leader who loves nothing more than chatting with parents at the school gate or cheering alongside you at school events. Throughout my 21 wonderful years in education, I've seen firsthand how amazing things happen when parents and schools work together as true partners. Your insights, ideas, and involvement will be warmly welcomed and deeply valued.

I'm passionate about creating an environment where:

• Every child bounces through our gates excited to learn

• Innovation and creativity flourish in our classrooms

• Strong, supportive relationships thrive between home and school

• Our G.R.O.W values shine through in everything we do

• Every student discovers their unique talents and potential

My experience as an Associate Principal, Across School Leader for our kāhui ako, Puketeraki and curriculum leader has equipped me with valuable skills, but what truly excites me is the opportunity to collaborate with you - our fantastic parent community - to make Fernside School even more exceptional than it already is.

Bridie Gray
Principal Fernside School
03 3138608