How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?

Twenty-six years. Began my teaching at Somerville Intermediate School, and high school and university in Canada. Teacher training in Sydney with a Graduate Diploma in Education. Masters of Education Management completed through University of Auckland.

When did you become principal of Macleans Primary School?

In July 2020. I was previously principal of Brookby School and deputy principal at Somerville Intermediate.

What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?

There are many “best things”. It’s the everyday simple things: seeing a child succeed, a teacher “buzzing” with enthusiasm, including when I get a smile and “hello Mr Cooke, how are you” from the children; when I see the students excited about their learning and a teacher engaging the children’s interests. Making a difference to Macleans Primary and the community and having a wide impact with the decisions we make that affect the children in a positive way. I also love being a principal because I know how important the job is, and I approach this role like nothing is more important. I love working hard for Macleans Primary, building a positive and healthy school culture, where staff feel empowered to teach to the best of their ability whilst allowing them to grow as teachers and leaders. A final “best thing” is knowing that as principal of Macleans Primary I can make a difference as we aim to lead and manage the school with the child at the centre of all we do; leading and managing all aspects of the school to ensure Macleans Primary exists for the children and community, ensuring we put the child in the heart of all the decisions we make.

What’s special about Macleans Primary?

It’s our emphasis on mahi tahi – together. We endeavour to create a meaningful home-school partnership. The vision we have for our Macleans Learner that emphasises Learning and Hauroa and collaborating and working together. The incredible students, parents, community and teachers who bring Macleans Primary to life each day and their energy, love, and passion that Macleans Primary is so grateful for all they do to make it special.

Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?

At Macleans Primary we work hard together with the resources we have, to support every learner. We want resources to make a difference to the child and support to ensure we can meet the needs of the Macleans Primary children – the Macleans Learner – whether extending a child who is working above level or supporting a child who needs support with their learning. At Macleans Primary the most valuable resources we have are the great teachers and support staff. We spend a considerable amount of our operations grant on teacher aides and teachers to support each child, teachers and the classroom. I’d like to see more funding from the Ministry of Education for teacher aides – one teacher aide in each class all day long would be amazing! I also want to see the Ministry of Education fund schools so that schools can recognise teachers who do an amazing job. I’d also like to see a hub/regional body and superintendent of schools to support principals’ workload and the governance and management of schools, plus the creation of leadership adviser positions in the hub/regional body. These people will have the additional task of identifying potential leaders and encouraging their development, perhaps in school leadership. All of this would, I believe, impact positively on the children.

How is the relationship between Macleans Primary School and its immediate local community?

The emphasis on the “home-school” partnership means we’re constantly trying to make the relationship as strong as possible, aiming for each family to feel they’re a part of Macleans Primary and their child’s learning. Macleans Primary values parents and the community and wants the mahi tahi to be strong!