Kia ora koutou. Talofa. Kia Orana. Malo e lelei. Bula Vinaka. Fakaalofa atu. Namaste. Kumusta. Haere mai ki Te Kura Huruhuru Ao o Horomaka. Warm greetings to the Hornby High School community.

There’s a fair degree of sadness in my heart writing this column, as it is my last as Tumuaki of Te Huruhuru Ao o Horomaka Hornby High School. I hope you’ll understand.

When I step back it will mark seven years in the role, that’s plenty long enough for any kura (although I admire those who stay in such roles for longer). There is some research out there that says that most Principals have their greatest impact on a school in their first 3-5 years in the job. That doesn’t mean that they then stop having an impact, but it often then becomes a role of refinement of the shift and the changes.

This seven years marks the end of 44 years in education, and I would like to say that at Hornby High School we have been privileged to see what, from the perspective of my 44 years experience, is the most significant and impactful initiative I have ever seen in education: Manaiakalani, our ‘learn create share’ pedagogy, and the affordances of digital technology. This continues to accelerate learning at rates well beyond the national averages (writing is the most spectacular, where students improve their writing at TWICE national averages across all schools in the country). This is no coincidence. It is the result of an effective pedagogy, combined with commitment from teachers and schools, and you, our whānau, to see our children do better. Thank you to all of you for supporting this mahi, whether it be by your decision to invest in devices for your children, or by reading blog posts and commenting on them, or by simply being interested.

Many things have changed over these seven years, from all weather sports turf, and green grass on the fields in all months of the year, to our buildings and our curriculum. Our performances, whether in academic or cultural work, sporting or pastoral work, continue to improve.

They say ’it takes a village to raise a child’. Thank you all for your support, support for both your tamariki and for your kura, as between us we have raised children. I am confident that you will continue to do so beyond my time.

I leave with a heavy heart at what will be a sense of loss for me, but also a joyous heart as I reflect on all that we have achieved. Young people always give me joy and hope. They are our future, a clichē I know, but also a truth. Working with young people, while always challenging, also keeps us young at heart, young in mind.

I wish you all well for the next steps in Hornby High School’s journey

Kia tau te mauri

R