As indicated in the Term 1 newsletter I was granted a sabbatical by the Ministry of Education for Term 2 which is available to Principal’s after 5 years of service (mine was delayed by a year). I wish to thank the Board of Trustees for supporting my application and our Associate Principal for stepping into my position while I was away. The topic I was investigating, was “Principal’s Wellbeing” which together with student and teacher wellbeing is becoming a very important consideration for Boards of Trustees and the Ministry of Education.
Following an analysis of responses by over 50 school leaders in Auckland and meetings with a selected number I was able to summarise some broad generalisations which I have shared with colleagues and Principal organisations. Some of the reasons why Principal’s indicate they are thriving in their role, rather than surviving, is due to the support they receive from their Boards and their Board Chair in particular; their Senior Leaders and the community generally. I am pleased to say I fit in that category and wish again to thank everyone who has contributed in some way to my feelings of wellbeing. I realise this is a personal statement which I am unused to sharing, however a school leader faces numerous complex issues on a daily basis and this can be draining unless there are other factors which help to “refill the bucket”.
Being back at school and reconnecting with our wonderful staff, student and parent community has been a most enjoyable experience. It is often true to say that when we are away or leave a place we tend to appreciate things more and this was true for me when I was away and witnessed through facebook and emails the amazing efforts of our staff to maintain our mission of helping students to find and grow their greatness.
I trust everyone is well and like me, feels blessed that we are able to enjoy personal freedoms that many in other countries are denied owing to the pandemic. I look forward to sharing with you all the events and celebrations we have become used to in term 3 and beyond.
Sports Camp 2021 Tuesday was a full on day for our athletes in Matamata. Students are doing very well in basketball, football, and volleyball and took a win in rugby too. Students are enjoying a range of new sports and won the cage soccer tournament! Congratulations to Luke, Dylan, Nevaeh, Ronak, and Pita for winning that tournament!
Day 2 update. Yesterday, students spent the day near the Tongariro base. They worked through group challenges and team building games in order to prepare themselves for their upcoming overnight trip.
A group of 35 Year 7 and 8 students travelled down to Tōtara Springs in Matamata on Monday for the annual Sports Camp. After a foggy drive down, students and staff had a beautiful clear day to begin their week of sports. Students completed athletics, swimming, and scramball on Day 1. Today is their first full day with 18 sports in action. More updates to come.
OPC 2021 Ten students from Years 9 and 10 travelled safely down to the Central Plateau on Sunday for a week of outdoor adventures at Hillary Outdoor’s Tongariro Centre. Today, students had a day on the snow, learning all about appropriate gear and how to ‘trek’ safely and effectively. The group has so far experienced stunning winter conditions. More updates to come later in the week.
Alex Reed (9C1) recently represented the region Gymsport Manukau at the 2021 New Zealand Gymnastic Championship. Alex won silver in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics level 6 division. A huge congratulations to Alex for all his success in gymnastics!
Last week, MHJC celebrated ‘International Friendship Day’. The bike shed was used as a shared space for students to send well wishes to friends and peers. We look forward to International Friendship Day in 2022!
Last Friday morning, MHJC’s bike track officially opened with a blessing and karakia. The bike track is open to our school community. Students will have the opportunity to use the bike track in their Physical Education classes, as it relates to Whānau learning contexts. Through such contexts, students will also learn bike safety skills, road safety skills, and how to care for bikes.
On Monday 2nd August, the school will be open from 6-7pm for all prospective students and families. Come tour the school and experience the courses that are offered at MHJC.
