Foundation Principal

Nau Mai, Haere Mai

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I take up the position of foundation tumuaki principal of Milldale School. With over 35 years of New Zealand education experience and 15 years of principalship in local primary and intermediate schools, I feel very excited to lead this new venture!

I believe that schools are interesting and dynamic places where learners can ignite their passion for learning, collaborate with others and take action to improve their world.

I am particularly interested in future focussed education through enhancing e-learning capability in schools and continuing to develop learner agency through voice, choice and inquiry. It will be particularly exciting to develop a modern learning, high tech school that has sustainability at the forefront of its design.

Another passion of mine is developing wellbeing and resilience for learners, staff and the school community. I believe this is extremely important for the success of learners and their whānau and crucial in these current times.

Milldale will work in partnership with two other education providers who will be on site. Wairau Valley Special School and the Northern Health School will be in two separate facilities on the northern side of the campus. It will be fantastic to partner together in an initial learning hub that will grow to include other educational facilities and business.

I look forward to working with the Milldale community to build a school and a future together!

Ngā mihi nui,
Wendy Sandifer