How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I’ve been in education for 23 years and trained at the University of Waikato.
When did you become principal of Ormiston Senior College?
In term two of 2022.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
The best part of being an educator, and especially a principal, is the opportunity to help shape the future, not just of individual students, but of our community and society. Every day brings moments where you see a student grasp a complex idea, find their voice, or realise their potential – and those moments are incredibly rewarding. Nothing beats that “ah-ha” moment when a student truly grasps an idea. Being a principal is a highly complex job. One day you are planning the future strategy and direction of the school. The next you are watching a student get recognised in the community or cheering on a basketball team. The best part of the job is building a strong team, all working together to help students achieve their very best.
What’s special about Ormiston Senior College?
Ormiston Senior College is one of only a few years 11 to 13 schools in the country, and it’s by far the biggest. This means we have a strong focus on helping students to take the next step into higher education or the workforce. Students have a lot of ownership of their learning, with a real focus on developing a love of learning and the self-management needed to succeed in all aspects of their future pathways. We live and learn through our school norms that help to ensure a student-centred approach.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education / school management sector?
I’m really pleased to hear the Education Ministry is looking to create an aspiring principals’ programme in the near future. There is a big difference stepping into the principal role from any other in education, and most of us just dive straight into the deep end. Thankfully there is very good support out there for beginning principals, but more support for those looking to step into the role will certainly help keep great people on education.
How is the relationship between Ormiston Senior College and its immediate local community?
Ormiston Senior College has grown with the community. In 2011, we began with 100 students and our school and the house opposite us were the only buildings on our side of the Ormiston Bridge. When you look at our community now, you can see that we’re a thriving and bustling, diverse and strongly connected group of people. We’re now sitting at 1500 students, which is very large considering that we’re only three year levels, and our community has grown up around us. We’re in the heart of the community and have strong connections with all of our families, the other local schools, and neighbouring businesses. It is vitally important to us that these relationships continue to stay strong as the Ormiston community and the senior college continue to grow and form our identity. We are very proud and want everyone to know where we are from.
