What memories do you recall as a child at school?

There are learning memories; how enjoyable or challenging learning times were for you, the teachers who influenced you to believe in yourself, push through or try something new and those teachers who negatively impacted your education and beliefs in learning. At Grey Lynn School we aim to be those positive and impactful memories. While our role is to focus on student achievement and progress for all children; this aspect cannot be accessed without firstly developing strong relationships with our children and their families. To understand their strengths and areas they need to stretch forward in; is key. Their heritage, likes, dislikes and passions also form a strong platform in which to base our future learning contexts.

I write this today from Year 6 Camp Bentzon on Kawau Island with a view towards the water overlooking a group of excited children, many ready for their first ever sailing experience. These students are eager; while somewhat apprehensive, open to new learning and risk-taking and mistake making while supported by their teachers and parents. This is learning and memory making in its finest form and one which they will forever be imprinted in their lives.

Our goal is for all our children to move into their futures as CONFIDENT young people; able to take a risk and try something new; to believe in themselves in order to contribute and confidence to make a stand when they feel they need to do so. Learning experiences at school are designed to give them opportunities to try these aspects so that they can learn and lead tomorrow through their lives at home, in their communities and in our world in which we live.

Our vision at Grey Lynn School is:

Learning today to shape tomorrow

‘Mo tou ma, mo tou kainga, mo tou ao’

For your lifetime, for your local community, for your wide world

What memories will you create with your children today?

Nga mihi mahana,

Alicia Whata