Dear Parent and Caregivers

Greetings, tena koutou katoa, talofa lava,

In June 2015, I wrote to the school community. Here is part of what I said three years ago:

For the East of our city, I see the Government willing to spend 80 million dollars building two schools on the QEII site and I see the City Council willing to spend around 40 million to construct a new recreational facility for the East on the same site.

I see the willingness of all parties to ensure that the City Council and the two schools act in partnership with the community living in the East. For Shirley Boys’ High School specifically, that means an embracing of the whole village to educate a child principle. Our intention is that the people and the local community use the school facilities and,  in so doing vibrancy is restored and hope regained. I do not see any insurmountable issues arising from our move to QEII, only excitement and a desire to get onto a pathway that travels forward.

How am I able to say this? Simply because I work with young people. Their enthusiasm is infectious. Not for them the inclination to dwell in the past, or the inclination to get grumpy over transitory discomfort or problems.  In their minds  they are on a journey to a better future and in Shirley, that means students, parents and staff work together.

Life is always going to be a joy when that attitude prevails.

Roll on 2019.  It’s going to be a wild ride  and a wonderful achievement when we arrive. The Mayor will do her bit to ensure that it happens. So will we, and so will the community that is Shirley Boys’. We will be part of the re-construction and we will not blame people for the problems that may come along the way.

We are now in the end-time for our school in its old site. In less than a year we will be on the new one, the first modern-time construction of two single-sex schools located side-by-side in New Zealand.  It is an exciting and carefully-planned opportunity that will enhance the education offered in both schools. This plan will offer students all the advantages of a single-sex education but with unique and socially beneficial opportunities to learn alongside and interact with students from the neighbouring school.

The original goal remains intact.  When we are established, the schools will be active members of our new community and the campus will be a place where the community is welcomed.  It goes without saying that many of our facilities, including the sports facilities, cultural space and performing arts centre will be available for community use.

We are currently in the middle of enrolling next year’s Year 9 intake.  These students will be unique in this school’s history.  They will start in 2019 in our current site.  They will enter the new site in term two and will exit, at the end of 2023.

While we still do not have a resolution as far as a new zone is concerned, I am confident that those who are determined to come on our journey, will certainly get that opportunity.

In 2015, I felt pretty much as I do now.  Life in our city is exciting, the future of the Garden City is rosy.

What a joy it is to be part of that!

The focus of our school is the development of 'The Shirley Man'. That will not change in our new school, indeed since it is our major point of difference, it must never be compromised. Here is something to compliment the work the teachers in our school are doing:

Philip Pullman once opined that what we really need is “books time and silence. “Thou shalt not is soon forgotten, but once upon a time lasts forever.”

For me this puts into sharp focus the power for good learning that exists in a story. Although I have been a Headmaster for many years, I still turn to storytelling as often as is possible to break through a barrier and get communication happening.

Stories also help develop a lexicon of words that enable young people and especially young men express emotion and feeling.

Here is one situation that occurred 10 years ago; where a story allowed communication to occur, as well as an opportunity for learning.

I told the story to a young refugee. His life in the country where he was born was one of extreme difficulty one where the law of the jungle prevailed.  Hence at an early age he learned to fight for survival. This characteristic he had taken to his new home in New Zealand where his pathway was marked by conflict and dysfunction. His parents had poorly-adjusted to New Zealand, but their son had managed much more easily, though his particular way was characterised by gravitation to the lowest common denominator.

The traditional strength of the family, (one in which the father’s word was law) in the land from which they emigrated was no more.  Replacing it were the twin demons of anger and despair.

Here is an abridged version of the story I told;

In days gone by there lived in a kingdom a man called 'The Ice Killer'.  He was The King’s Champion and, in combat, he had never been bested. He was impossibly handsome and, when engaged in conversation, was charming, witty and articulate. The young women in the realm pursued him with vigour while to the men of the realm he was the object of their envy.

His name came from his fighting style.  He fought without emotion and his speed was second to none. His weapons of choice were a short sword and a long sword.  Ambidextrous, he fought equally well with either hand. In mortal combat he had killed many men.

In another part of the kingdom, there toiled a farmer, bent by his days of labour.  He worked from dawn to dusk every day to feed his wife and children, a burden, as the land in which he lived was harsh and unforgiving. The pitiless sun had taken a terrible toll, evident to any that saw his weathered face.

The farmer and his wife had seven children, though two had died;  one in pain-wracked childbirth, one from disease made fatal by poor nutrition.

I told my story to the young man and, when I had finished, I asked him which of the two men had the most courage and which did he admire the most.

Finally, I asked him which of the two men would he rather be like?

His answers were fascinating, and the beginning of a relationship was forged.

“Once upon a time” is such a powerful learning tool, one that I encourage all mums and dads to use with their children.  Best in a quiet time, when there is time for reflection and discussion. When small, my mum did this, Saturday morning, 9.00am while my dad was at work.

Where do such stories lead?

Well, therein lies the joy of being a parent!

Best Wishes

John Laurenson