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I began teaching aged 19, some 37 years ago, and am in my 22nd year as a principal - currently at the wonderful Western Heights School.

Principal of Tareha School - Napier 2 years

Deputy Principal Prospect School - west Auckland 7 years

Principal Pomaria School - west Auckland 6 years

Principal Te Akau ki Papamoa School - Bay of Plenty 3 years

Principal Kaiapoi Borough School - Canterbury 8 years

President of Waitakere Area Principals Association 2003 - 92 schools

Apple Distinguished Educator Award - 2009. Sponsored to Apple Headquarters in Cupertino, USA.

Secretary Auckland Computers in Education Society

Primary Principals’ Representative - Primary Sector Education Advisory Committee

Waitakere City Council - Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education, 2003.

Presenter at UNESCO Conference on Values in Education, 2002.

Guest speaker - International Principal's Federation Conference, Auckland 2002.

Ministry contracted trainer - Implementation of New National Administration Guidelines

First Time Principals’ Mentor for Ministry of Education in Auckland and Christchurch.

Mentored new principals of four Canterbury schools.

University of Canterbury School Curriculum Development Facilitator - e- Learning, ICT in 2011 and 2012. Worked with 70 schools.

Philosophy

I believe passionately in all learners becoming independent.

My Vision has always been of “Growing Great Kids” who are self managing, self motivating, self moderating, independent leaders of their own learning.

This has been achieved through “Dream. Grow. Shine. Reflect.”

Children choose appropriate goals.

They develop an effective action plan to achieve those goals.

They identify success criteria - what we can expect to see when success is achieved.

They reflect on their goals, their plan and their outcomes and make decisions in light of this.

We know that positive relationships are the key to success, not just in learning but in all aspects of life. Positive relationships are built on trust, honesty, respect, and genuine concern, and nurtured through active listening and time spent together.

Whanau (Family) Relationships are the basis for all I do and the way I teach, coach and lead. For this reason, I set great store in being open to and available to children, staff and community.

Personal Achievements

Sportsman of Year - Christchurch College of Education 1978

Canterbury Colts Softball representative

National League football with Woolston FC

Waimakariri Football Club Junior Coach of the Year - 2011, 2012, 2013