From the tumuaki | principal 2023 Term 2 Week 5

Kia ora koutou

It is a relief to everyone that PPTA strike actions have been suspended. We find out on 31 May whether a settlement has been reached or not. However, with winter sicknesses and a shortage of relief teachers, we are in a daily juggle to get through. 

The general instability of the last few years has also increased student disengagement with learning (not in all students but the percentage has increased notably) and we are seeing the return of some destructive behaviours from a few. Time away for students during term time, even for good reasons, makes it harder for teachers to plan engaging lessons matched to individual students’ needs. My thanks to our teachers for the goodwill and resilience they show. I’m explaining this to parents to seek empathy for our teachers who are finding it difficult currently.

Arriving back from a school rugby trip on Wednesday night, I got a clear picture of how much sport is happening - netball, hockey and rugby were all in the same place, with students and parents everywhere, making a happy buzz. It was good to see wins for all of our rugby teams: Junior Quad (also netball and football), Under 15 and First XV. It was also pleasing to see the good manners of our students in simple things such as thanking their drivers. We have two amazing student coaches in Louis Ridgen and Mason Thompson, who bring their expert learning from the Selwyn Combined XV and remarkable maturity. And I always feel lucky with the great parent support we have - being available for trips (thanks Andy Dockerill), beautiful baking, responding to requests for help with students.

I want to thank Jeremy Walter, our Groundskeeper, for his talent and passion resulting in us having amazing fields for students to play on (as well as other beautiful landscaping).

Following concerns nationally about Outdoor Education, I recently observed a year 12 OEd trip up Trig M. What I saw was a very thorough approach to safety in every aspect, from vehicles to movements on the hill. Paperwork doesn’t drive safety, people’s competency and attitude and experience do. I am assured that Mr Dickens brings all of those qualities and our contractors are highly reputable with national qualifications to match the activities. This is only our Outdoor Ed classes and I will continue to look closely at all of our EOTC.

Noho ora mai (stay well)

Andy England

Key dates:

See https://darfield.school.nz/calendar/

Monday 29 May: school photos

Monday 5 June: King’s Birthday holiday