What we aim to do, as a school, is to create long-lasting memories that cement the feeling of belonging. Planting a tree creates a personal connection between that student and their learning journey at school.
At our annual ‘A Tree for Every child” Wairakei Primary allows for those memories and connections to be established. It is not just about building up our native flora and fauna so our local tuis will return each year. It’s about having a special part of the school just for you -- a student of Wairakei Primary.
Mum and dads and extended family come to school for the morning. They bring with them, their cameras, and spades to capture the moment. Our school photographer Matt is also present seeking those one-in-a-million shots that we know are there and he has the time to take them. View the gallery here.
Our seniors help to prepare the tree plots and assist with taking the plants from their containers while reminiscing about where their tree is and how much it has grown. Ask any student who has planted a tree somewhere in the school and they can locate it.
It’s hearing the voices of the students as they speak about their day. What they remember and why that makes us look forward to rolling out ‘A Tree for Every Child’ year after year.
The long snaking line of students at the skipping rope. Jump in, jump out and off they go, happy and excited. Some still have to "Learn It". Others have reached the "Prove it" stage. Many will remain, comforted to be in a safe inclusive group.
Since 2010, I have been the passionate Principal of this vibrant, successful, and innovative school. It's without hesitation, I say I'm focused on "accelerating growth for student learning outcomes".
My style is fostering a culture of professionalism formed on a solid foundation of critical reflection. My own professionalism is expanded through a network of advanced educational practitioners. Practitioners who extend my theoretical, philosophical and pedagogical base. Fundamental in my belief, is strategic dialogue will map learning and teaching so innovation and creativity can flow into an innovative curriculum.
From considerable leadership experience, I know the school's vision has to be "crafted collaboratively". The adaptive vision must be student driven with ambitious academic goals. Raising success hinges on repeatedly asking: "does this decision help realise the vision?"
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