My young family and I moved out from Rangiora to Okains Bay to become the principal of Okains Bay School. We have lived out here for 2.5 months now and, despite the bitter winter conditions, we are loving every moment.
I wish to reflect simply on the positives and negatives of being out as a sole-charge principal as I see it, at this time.
Positives:
1. Community
The core to schools like this is community input. I was fortunate enough to begin my principalship by the board asking me to update the charter, strategic plan and curriculum (all rather large jobs). I feel this is important because it allows me to put my mark on the school from the get-go. We had a community consultation evening and all the parents came. (How often does that happen at bigger schools?) We had parent help sign-ups; the sheets were full. I've had no shortage of offers to help (so much so, I don't know how to fit everyone in!)
2. Students
Enthusaistic, engaged, and love life. My 10 students are incredibly vibrant. They are all incredibly different. It makes for a wonderful place to work and play.
3. People are appreciative
There's a lot of good-will to be gained in a community like this. I offered reading sessions for my three juniors in the second week of holidays. All three of them came for an hour for a few days. Was great to keep them going, but even better was how much everyone appreciated it.
Also hosted a fish and chip night for the students on Friday. We watched a movie and ate ice-cream. Again, the parents see this and appreciate it quite a bit!
4. An amazing office manager
This is making a world of difference for me. My office manager understands Novopay, is a whirl on Xero, and keeps an extremely tight ship in the office. This means I can focus on the school, delivering curriculum, and what-not.
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