Culture

Effective school leadership ensures that the culture of the school is one that is safe and well organised, allowing teachers to focus on their teaching, and students on their learning (Robinson, 2007)

I believe that I have successfully grown this area of practice by:

• Always acting with integrity
• Strong focus on building relationships
• Building relationships with Māori community e.g. Learning Te Reo alongside the parents,
• Communicating the big picture and developing actions to focus the team in the right direction
• Providing strong professional leadership
• Working with students, staff, BOT, parents and community to create a shared vision
• Ensuring the school’s vision is the filter for all that we do  
• Developing a focus of collaborative leadership; growing leaders within the staff
• Developing strengths of staff - offering opportunities for staff to develop leadership in  many areas
• Developing a collaborative culture where we draw on the strengths of staff, students. parents, parish and community
• Contribute to the school newsletters and website which are used not only to communicate with parents, but also show some of our success that we have shared as a school.   
• Promote an inclusive environment in which the diversity, multicultural nature and prior experiences of students are acknowledged and respected
• Being culturally responsive; Promote the bicultural heritage of New Zealand by ensuring that it is evident in the school culture
• Data is used to drive targets and goal setting with a focus on improved student outcomes and success for all
• Worked hard collaboratively to develop a school climate that promotes empowering students as well as care and support for each student
• Effectively manage own workload, identifying key priorities and delegating appropriately.

"Alongside the Principal she has particular strengths in building a warm, responsive and critically active culture of learning.  She provides strong pastoral care for all and she makes herself available and responsive to incidents.  This makes teachers feel secure, and backed up, so they can relax enough to focus on teaching and learning.  This report provides evidence of her capability to show good judgement.  Her Appraiser notes her ability to see the big picture with situations, as they arise, and understand the implications.  Therefore she makes well-considered decisions."

                                                                                                           2019 Mid Year Appraisal - Lois Christmas 

"Teachers spoke highly of her approachability, warmth, sense of humour, and empathy.  The Appraiser finds her to be a thoughtful, insightful and self-aware educationalist to talk with.  She cares deeply about the children and teachers she works with and works tirelessly in their best interests."

                                                                                                           2019 Mid Year Appraisal - Lois Christmas