EDITOR
Whetu Cormick Retires as NZPF President Māori attending MAC schools. What an absolute honour and pleasure it has been to work His last project, as his presidency concluded, was working with alongside Whetu Cormick, NZPF President, for the past three Pasifika principals on a PLD model to help lift the educational years. Many qualities make Whetu a stand-out president. success of young Pasifika people. This project has the full support The first is his uncompromising focus on the young people of of Minister Jenny Salesa, who has witnessed the success of the Aotearoa New Zealand. Every media comment, every argument MACs and aspires to similar success for Pacific Island youngsters. in any forum, reference group or meeting; every position he ever Throughout his tenure, Whetu’s advocacy for stronger and took, was centred on how it affects the learning, culture, health better funded learning support for challenged learners was and wellbeing of our young people. relentless. In all his meetings with Ministers and sector heads Working with Whetu, I was so often reminded of the words he would take the opportunity to hammer home the severity of of Dame Whina Cooper need and the importance when she said: of relief and support for ‘ Ta k e c a r e o f o u r teachers and leaders so that children. Take care of the students could benefit what they hear, take care from an education they of what they see, take care so richly deserved. It was of what they feel. For how no secret that as he began the children grow, so will his presidency, special be the shape of Aotearoa.’ education was a broken These words – from one system. That had been of the greatest leaders of agreed by all the Ministers Aotearoa New Zealand involved in the Education – encapsulate Whetu’s portfolio. What was required approach to everything. was not another review but His role, as President, a plan. That plan now exists was to advocate for school and implementation trials principals so that they are underway. In the course From left to right Jack Boyle (PPTA), Deidre Shea (SPANZ) and Whetu could be more effective of his presidency many Cormick, enjoying a moment together at Whetu’s farewell party leaders of their schools. In millions of dollars have been this way they would develop teachers of high quality to influence allocated to special education. It is not yet a perfect system, but and support the learning of children in Aotearoa. That requires no one would deny that Whetu’s continual lobbying for solutions, sound knowledge of what school principals are thinking and has had an influence on the progress so far. saying about issues that create barriers for teaching and learning. Another of Whetu’s strengths was how he conducted himself It requires personal credibility, relevance of argument and the with the media. The level of media attention NZPF attracted in ability to bring others with him. the last three years is unprecedented. Key to Whetu’s success Advocacy will be ineffectual without building connections with was his truthfulness, sincerity, cutting-edge knowledge and those who can influence change. Whetu has a gift for connecting the relationships he built with reporters. He recognised that with people and building strong, sustainable relationships. This to have political influence, public support was critical. The was evidenced at his farewell at which colleagues and sector view of principals on education matters had to be expressed heads spoke of his outstanding debating skills and his ability to credibly, influentially, clearly and often. Whetu fulfilled these sustain those all important relationships. requirements with ease. He was very clear about what he wanted to achieve when he A new era begins for Whetu now. There is no doubt that he will first stood for election to NZPF. It was about achieving equity continue to make outstanding contributions for the betterment of learning outcomes, particularly for our Māori and Pasifika of young people. He will continue to use his considerable young people – and advocating for an increased level of learning knowledge and talents to give voice to our young people and support for the growing number of severely challenged young ensure they have access to the kind of education they need to people in our schools. become successful adults. He was instrumental in designing the Māori Achievement Whetu leaves the NZPF membership stronger, better informed, Collaborations (MACs) and has always been an ardent supporter and better supported. He built so much good will across the – not surprising – because the MACs have been hugely successful sector giving NZPF a very solid foundation to build on into in changing school culture and have lifted the success rates of the future.
CONTRIBUTIONS Debbie Smith (Otago) Another strong advocate for children with special needs, Debbie joined the executive in 2016, becoming president of the Otago Principals’ Association in 2017. Her role on the executive also included representing NZPF on the Southern Region’s Property Forum and she was a member of the NZPF Business Partners’ Team throughout her tenure. She brought considerable knowledge of her region to every debate, never forgetting those principals who supported her to sit at the NZPF table. Her perspectives on issues, particularly special needs, was always reflective, authentic and helpful. At Musselburgh School, South Dunedin, she implemented an inventive programme to bring a culture of inclusion and support for her school community through ‘Play is the Way’, a programme which encourages student agency, ownership of behaviour and team-work. She brought ideas from these and other personal experiences to the political debates of the executive and used them to help form solutions for the system. We will all miss Debbie’s considerable wisdom and knowledge and her ceaseless support for the NZPF leadership. Debbie will continue to use her strengths and knowledge for children of the Otago region as a Learning Support Coordinator, based in Central Otago.
Jen Rodgers We are saddened that Jen Rodgers, also from the Otago region, was not re-elected to the executive for this year, after such a short time with us. Jen brought the voice of Area Schools to NZPF debates and gave us invaluable insights into the issues faced by the Area Schools sector. As the NZPF membership grows and more secondary and Area schools join our organisation, we acknowledge the importance of growing our own knowledge and understanding of secondary school issues. Jen is the former principal of both Oxford Area School and Cheviot Area School and is current principal at St Clair School in Dunedin. The executive placed high value on Jen’s contributions, which were informative and like her Otago counterpart, Debbie Smith, always authentic. We trust that Jen will continue her excellent work for the young people of St Clair in Dunedin and will consider standing again for the NZPF Executive, to bring the Otago voice back to the NZPF table.
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Dr Lester Flockton Retires as Columnist Liz Hawes
EDITOR
Many, especially any who have listened to a Lester Flockton presentation on NZ Curriculum, will be saying that for the sake of the nation’s children and their education, Lester must never retire. There is possibly no other academic in the country who is as expert in curriculum and broader educational matters as Lester. It would also be difficult to find another who has such an understanding of the interaction of education and politics; who can accurately distinguish political rhetoric from truth and reason; who has had teaching and leadership experience in both the era of Education Boards and Tomorrow’s Schools; and who displays such acerbic wit. Dr Lester Flockton is almost without peer. As Editor of this NZ Principal publication I have been honoured to have Lester in our stable of writers. He has an extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of education including as a teacher and school principal, academic researcher,
critic and generator of new ideas. Couple these talents with his astute understanding of the world of politics and Lester produces opinion pieces that are not just thoughtfully researched but which provoke and generate discussion. Whether the reader agrees or disagrees with Lester’s views, they cannot ignore them. His contributions have incited discussions across the tea rooms of New Zealand schools for many years and we are all much the richer for that. Thank you, Lester, for your outstanding work over many years. We shall miss your sharp- witted pronouncements, your clarity of argument and your ability to conflate complex policy issues into meaningful messages. You set a high bar, always maintaining professional integrity for our publication. In this issue we welcome Professor Martin Thrupp who will take over Lester’s column. We look forward to on-going, thought provoking columns from Martin who, like Lester, will be well-known to many of you as an academic who will challenge your thinking.
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