Introduction
I would like to acknowledge all readers of my Blog in some of the many languages that reflect our school, in fact, some of the many cultures that reflect Christchurch and New Zealand:
In English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Samoan, Korean, Japanese, Chinese Indian, South African, French: Greetings, Kia ora, Kia Orana, Talofa lava, Mala lolei, Yeoboseyo (여보세요), Kon'nichiwa こんにちは, Nǐ hǎo んにちは, 你好, namaste नमस्ते, Sawubona, Bonjour
We are proud to have many different cultures represented on the Mairehau High School roll.
Our Mission statement: “All students to value themselves and others, to know they can excel and to reach their full potential.” The founders and architects of our school sculptured these words to form the underlying principles of Mairehau High School. There are three elements of this vision statement, self and mutual respect, learning how to achieve, and doing your very best.
I wish to provide a reflection: “What’s happened at Mairehau High School in 2019”
Term One: 15th March- Christchurch: Muslim Attack
We woke up to the dawn of a new school day, a different New Zealand, a stronger nation. Our students and staff returned to school after the tragic events of 15th March. We learned about the attacks on our Muslim community. Our staff had a special briefing outlining our support for students, staff and community.
Our school focussed on compassion, respect and the acknowledgement of people: students, staff, parents, NZ Police, Ministry of Education, Ambulance and Medical service, and all who have helped over those days.
On that day the odious apparatus of fear raised its ugly head.
The tragic Muslim attack, will not deter us as a school, community or nation. We all have a responsibility to model the values of compassion, respect and aroha for our fellow New Zealander. We can not let trepidation rule our communities. As a nation, we have grown stronger and better. We are known as a country for our Aroha and Manakitanga.
I am proud to be the Principal of a Christchurch School working with caring, compassionate, and respectful students, staff and community.
Term Two: Enrolment Zone
The Board of Mairehau High School recently adopted an enrolment scheme that has been approved by the Secretary for Education. Under this scheme, students will be enrolled if they live within our home zone.
Mairehau High School has been collaborating with other Greater Christchurch State Secondary School Principals and Boards of Trustees to establish a cohesive schooling network across the city.
There has been a collective desire to create a sustainable school network that will have a significant positive impact on the learning communities of Christchurch. Mairehau High School remains committed to ensuring that our approach to zoning change will meet the needs of schools in our community, while also supporting the effectiveness of improving a more sustainable school education network.
We are confident that the new Mairehau High School zone will provide long term sustainable and equitable learning opportunities for the young citizens of our community.
Our new zone will take effect from 1 January 2020.
Term Three: Property Design Rebuild
Our school roll is expected to grow to 500 pupils, and the master plan will allow for a roll build of up to 800. The new rebuild design is in its very early stages, it offers an opportunity to provide new 21st-century Hard Materials, Hospitality, Visual Arts and Supported Learning facility. (Money permitting) the Board is considering an upgrade to the gymnasium)
Each phase of the plan is aligned to the greater Christchurch Network of Schools and the Ministry of Education prediction of roll growth.
“The new building (phase one) caters for the future of teaching and learning practices,” The school’s revised master-plan reflects the latest budget and MOE growth projection figures.
“The whole area will allow curriculum deliveries through specialist areas,” he said. The master plan also outlines the aspirations and fundamental learning needs of the school and the ministry.
“We are very excited about our master plan and future building project. We will continue to develop positive outcomes and learning experiences for our students.”
Term Four: Education Review Office
The school’s commitment to providing effective strategic leadership and 21st-century vision and facilities is evident in Mairehau High School’s Charter.
Earlier this term, our school was reviewed by the Education Review Office (ERO). This is an external government agency charged with the responsibility of determining the quality of teaching, the strength and quality of internal-review, and improvement processes in the school.
Mairehau High School provides genuine opportunities for its students to excel academically, in leadership, in community service, in a sporting activity or in the arts. The school has a caring and nurturing environment with outstanding staff.
Leaders and teachers have a clear and shared focus on knowing the learner. Teachers use a wide range of information about students’ achievement, progress and wellbeing to:
- Identify students’ learning needs and track and monitor their progress
- Provide extra support for students who need more assistance
- Share information that promotes increased understanding of, and useful responses to, students’ learning and wellbeing needs
- Support improved attendance, retention and engagement in learning
Our (GATE) coordinator Angela Marshall has provided significant progress with the school’s well-considered Gifted and Talented education programme. Our Careers team led by Margaret Robertson providing pathways for students to vocational and tertiary opportunities.
A wide range of abilities is identified and fostered in gate planning and approaches. Identified students have ongoing opportunities to explore and extend their learning within their area of special ability.
We trust that ERO is able to capture in their report the true essence and capability of Mairehau High School. We wait in anticipation for their draft report.
Acknowledgements:
I would like to publically acknowledge my Board Chair, Mr Chris Caselton appointed this year, and all Board members for your continued support.
I now wish to acknowledge some of the people that have supported students in their journey through Mairehau High School. The Mairehau High School staff. We are fortunate to have an abundance of dedicated and conscientious staff who contribute to the education and well- being of our students. To the Mairehau High School staff, thank you.
I also take this opportunity to acknowledge members of my senior leadership team: Rebecca Swanson and Siobhan Murphy, for supporting me, and providing leadership, when it really mattered. I genuinely value your personal and professional commitment to me this year. We have had our good times, shared our challenging times, and we have had a lot of fun along the way. Thank you for putting up with me.
To the most important people who care, I commend parents, family, and friends and all who have supported students during these years of school. Strive to succeed in whatever life holds for you. Maintain high expectations, take opportunities and be innovative when faced with life’s challenges.
I close with the following Maori Whakatuaki:
Ko te manu e kai ana te miro, nona te ngahere
Otira, ko te manu e kai ana te matauranga nona te ao
(The bird that takes sustenance from the fruit of the miro shall master the ways of the forest, and the bird that takes sustenance from the fruit of knowledge shall master the ways of the world.)
