Kia Ora
We are three days from the end of the first term in our fifth year of operation. As is the nature of Shotover, there has been much change in this time as we continually work to living out our vision and our desired mindset; that of being a learning focused organisation, and all of us being learning focused.
Friday also marks the beginning of my sabbatical. This is a time where after being successful in my application to the Ministry last year, I will be on leave for the duration of term 2. The purpose of this time is part-study and part-refreshment and is meant to be in equal parts. Some of you have been asking what I am going to be doing, so I thought I’d share it here.
Most of the refreshment part will be spent in the area; trying the various cafe’s around the place, spending more time on my bike, supporting my family as they continue to go about their days and doing some of the much needed jobs around home. This, believe it or not, is quite refreshing.
The study part will be continuing my work looking at the Cynefin framework, as a way for solving the complex challenges we face. This is a problem-solving framework, devised by Dave Snowden when he was working at IBM. In my limited experience to date using this framework, it causes you to look at various challenges in a whole new light. No doubt I’ll share more about this on the other side of my sabbatical.
In my absence, Evelyn Aurik - one of our Associate Principals, will be running the show as the acting Principal. I know that I am leaving the school in very capable hands and that with the support of brilliant Associate Principals and amazing staff, Shotover will continue to make progress. Naturally, I know you’ll offer Evelyn the same support you offer me.
As for me, I’ll see you all on the 23rd July... that sounds good.
Ka kite
Ben