Tēnā koutou e te whānau

I hope this finds you well as we head into the Easter break. It has been a busy term at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa with lots on the go. For new ākonga to our school it is a time of significant change and I appreciate the challenges that can bring. To those students who have spoken to me about their term so far, thanks for sharing. It is really nice to hear feedback around our range of subject choices, the way students are treated like adults and the emphasis on wellbeing as key trends that have come through in those conversations. I am really affirmed when I hear like I did today, “We would never have done this at my old school...”

You may wonder what ‘this’ was. It was offering choice to students in 12 Hauora. One group were supported to work on internal assessment work while others came on a walking group to the Boatshed Cafe to sit by the river with me. Random? Maybe. However, what actually happened was students chatted on the way down, I connected students with other students by sharing interests and stories, and then we all ordered a drink and we sat by the river. Most of our time was focused on the eels and time to chat. We returned back to school, met an Art class on the way back so walked as a big group. While we were there, a new student to school came and offered to help me with the drinks. In that time we were waiting I gained excellent feedback about their first term and our kura. In my eyes: invaluable.

In my Hauora class I know what students were proud of this term, how they are going credit-wise and who needs a bit of TLC. That isn’t just me either! 10 or so other 12HAU or 11HAU teachers are doing the same thing and that is what I am really proud of about our school. It can be a bit random, but we can really get to know students and that we are making a difference. Students like to come to these classes on the most part and there are no credits attached! I raise this in the newsletter as it has been one heck of a slow burn but it proves when you believe in something and get your community on board you will make progress. It is probably no surprise to anyone that I really look forward to Tuesdays at 9:20am!

Speaking of community on board….this year the Board will be consulting with students, parents, staff and our wider community around our strategic intentions for the next three years, our school vision and mission. The Board will endeavor to hear from as many people as we possibly can through surveys, focus groups and student-led workshops. I really love this part of my job as you get such great insight into the people that make up our community. This work was raised and started in part with our hui a whānau held last week. Thank you to those that could attend this event. This is just a ‘heads up it is happening’ at this stage and I really look forward to hearing about your aspirations for your children and where you think we should be heading as a school. As always, I am very open to feedback, good and otherwise. The best way to do this is to email me – rw@hagley.school.nz

I hope everyone has a safe Easter break and just a reminder we start back on Wednesday 26th April, as ANZAC day is celebrated on Tuesday 25th April. All the best to Tina Munro who is taking on a new position at Te Aratai College and Margaret Kirk who is heading into retirement. 36 years combined experience is a great effort! Ngā mihi i ō kōrua mahi!

Nāku noa, nā

Rowan Milburn

Tumuaki | Principal