22 November 2024

A couple of weeks ago, we had some colleagues from Rotorua visit to learn more about our Positive Education philosophy and programme. They had a look in classrooms, chatted with teachers and children about some of the key features and what it means.

It's always really interesting to stop, pause and reflect on what this has meant and continues to mean for us as we learn more and grow ourselves. One of the aspects of our model is the 'learn it, live it, teach it, embed it' philosophy. This is ongoing - there is always something new to listen to, research that is completed, new questions that are answered. I, for one, have a mini pile of books which I aim to get to - at least open, under canvas this summer.

Last Sunday, after the cheese rolls were done and dusted, I popped into my office and happened to glance at the poster I created a good number of years ago when I first undertook this study 'Encouraging a Community to Flourish'. It was fitting of the day, the way in which everyone just kicked in was something else. A great vibe, good energy, obvious excellent organisation and plenty of smiles evident. We have years of past pupils and whānau coming to our place year after year, Fair after Fair, to catch up and reconnect. It's a ritual for many of our teenagers. I even had a neighbour I'd never met come to meet me who had an association with the school in 1976 and gave me a little momento. It really means a lot for so many.

Tonight is the Board "Thank You" to all parents who have contributed in all sorts of ways over the year. Because of your support, we will be able to continue to have a part time Librarian and advance the Library collection, have specialist tutors - kapa haka and music, employ extra staffing - both teaching and Learning Assistants, and purchase new Maths and Literacy resources for the classrooms. Our classroom programmes are enriched because of your help. When I look at those teenagers and young adults who come back to the Fair, they are living evidence of the whole person we aim to develop here..... so, yes, 'Encouraging a Community to Flourish' is glowing on the wall this week.