For a range of generally positive reasons our school is at a crossroad. The board is facing a series of once-in-a-generation decisions, which is an exciting prospect for us all.

If there is one thing that will test any couple’s commitment to each other its navigation on car journeys. Many moons ago our family lived in Sydney for a while. We didn’t know our way around, so every journey was an adventure. 

My wife preferred to navigate since she is naturally curious, and it allowed her to look around at this new environment. This usually worked well except for when she got distracted, which could result in things like an unexpected but immediately required right hand turn across three busy lanes of traffic! 

When I was navigating we had different issues but since this is my story you don’t get to hear about those.

These days I have the power of technology through Google Maps which is a very useful tool. 

Ironically my Google Maps App speaks to me with an Australian accent. An even greater irony is that I find myself in verbal disputes with Google like “What the heck name is that!?”. 

I don’t think that my Aussie Google copes well with Maori place names for example; Hinemoa is spoken “High-knee-mower” or least it sounds that way to me. 

I’m only grateful I don’t have to drive past the longest place name in New Zealand which is; Taumatawhakatangi­hangakoauauotamatea­turipukakapikimaunga­horonukupokaiwhen­uakitanatahu. Yeah Aussie Google, try and say that one right!

But if we think about it there are times when we all must journey through unknown territory. It’s true of schools as well as individuals. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot this year. 

For a range of generally positive reasons our school is at a bit of a crossroads. The board is facing a series of once-in-a-generation decisions, which are really awesome but actually really big.

A great example of this is property. After the 2011 earthquakes the Ministry of Education froze normal property funding and put schools in a queue for redevelopment. Six years later you may already be aware that our place in the queue is coming up. 

It will a long time yet before there is any actual construction, but the first waves of thinking and planning have started. This is something you will hearing a lot more about in the future.

Property development is an excellent thing, but the challenges are real. It’s just like if you buy or build your own home. It’s something you really want and it's exciting, but you want to get it right because you could be stuck with it for a long time if you don’t.

Our school redevelopment is the same. It’s totally great to be having it but we probably won’t get another one for 25 years, so we have to be smart about it.

Amazingly, as I mentioned above, property is only one of a series of really cool but really big calls the board will have to make over time. These are things I will be speaking to in the new year. 

They are also one of the reasons we looked to co-opt additional people on to the board of trustees. You may already know that Fiona Wakefield and Helen Mataiti have joined the board. Fiona has a legal background and Helen an educational one. We are already benefitting from the additional strength they bring to our team.

As the school year closes, I want to say how grateful I am for the people that make up our school. I often feel privileged through my interactions with staff, trustees, volunteers, parents and most importantly the young people of our school. Seeing them flourish makes things worthwhile and encourages me about the future.

May you have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful summer. Finally, if you are travelling these holidays, try not to argue with your navigator even if they are an Aussie Google.