I will be on leave for Term 3 as I have been successful with being awarded a Ministry of Education sabbatical. The purpose of this sabbatical is to provide a sustained period of leave during a principal’s career, to engage in a balance of professional learning, reflection and rejuvenation. Coincidentally, next Friday marks the 10th anniversary of me commencing as the tumuaki of Hokowhitu School - how time flies when your job is also your passion. My approved area of professional learning is exploring ways to support the learning needs of learners who are not progressing as expected (even though we know they are receiving strong, explicit teaching daily). I am also very much looking forward to seeing our overseas based daughter and grandsons again - it has been over 2 1⁄2 years! I leave the school leadership in very safe hands. Mr Reece Hawkins will be the Acting Principal and he will be ably supported by Mrs Helen Griffin. They are a great team!
I will be returning to school for the ‘always busy’ Term 4, feeling refreshed and energised! Thank you to the Board for your support of my application.