Reflections on my first couple of weeks as principal at Grey High 2021

I have to begin this reflection with my two weeks in the South Island on holiday with my family. I was so lucky to spend three of these days in Greymouth where on the Friday I got to meet up with some colleagues for a drink and on the Monday went into school and met up with some others. I also managed to spend about 45 minutes with Andy which was excellent. I was so warmly welcomed - it was great! We also did some tourist things but not too much as there will be plenty of time for that.



After our South Island holiday I went back to the Waikato and was in Te Aroha for three nights. Then I packed up on Friday 22nd January and I travelled to Greymouth via Christchurch and Hokitika airports. I spent the weekend in Greymouth where I managed to get into school and have a good look around and try to get my feet under the table just a little bit. On the Sunday I was visited by friends, whom I hadn’t seen for quite a while, who were on holiday in the South Island and happened to be near Greymouth - so that was an added bonus on the Sunday.


My family (husband, 2 daughters and mum) turned up and stayed for a variety of time frames - my mum is still here - for my pōwhiri. Which was very special for me.


Then Monday it was straight to it! The previous principal had organised an SLT meeting which ran from 10 am for a number of hours! It was great to catch up with the four of them. It was very much a “to do” meeting - what we needed to do to get ready for the pōwhiri, staff induction and teacher only day, as well as all of the things teachers need to do when they first come back to school after the summer break! I was very impressed with everyone’s organisational skills and thankful that they had it all under control.


The pōwhiri was an amazing experience. Eight people from my previous school Te Aroha College came to “hand me over” and they also had a wonderful time and were very impressed with the school and its facilities and grounds.


In the afternoon I was introduced to Manaiakalani and I think this is a great programme. The amazing work that staff had done using ICT during COVID was a real testament to how the majority of staff have a good understanding of Manaiakalani’s concepts. I am looking forward to being more involved and I am meeting one of their representatives in a couple of weeks.


The induction day ran by one of our DPs was spot on and I really think that it answered a number of my questions. It is difficult to walk the fine line with not enough information and information overload and I think that he got it right.


The staff bbq was a great way to meet some more people and the food, especially the ice cream van, was fantastic.


Staff only day was a little bit daunting - at first. I am used to public speaking but when I got up for the first time and saw everyone in front of me I did do a little double take! I don’t think that I was quite ready for so many of them - how impressive are the number of teacher aides at Grey High! But when I stood back up for my presentation my nerves had settled and I felt very much at home. It was a great day run superbly by SLT. I got to meet even more new people and talk to them and others. One of the things I am going to concentrate on is learning everyone’s names!


My head is full of lots of new information. I have managed to do a variety of things including getting the correct log ons for the various organisations I need to be part of. For example, being able to easily sort out things like teachers registrations is vital!


I have been looked after incredibly well this week and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this! As a staff we have also been well watered and fed, and again thanks to those behind the scene - this was very much appreciated.