Principal Appreciation Day fell on Wednesday 23rd July and came and went unnoticed in my kura. I watched as some of my colleagues received morning teas, flowers, videos, cards, letters and notes, special assemblies and much awhi. Isn't it ironic that the idea of the day was to make you feel appreciated, but can in fact do the opposite. I sent my tumuaki colleagues an email reminding them that they are awesome and are "seen". I recognise the extra hours, stress, devotion and hard work that each of us as tumuaki are striving to continue to be the best that we can for the schools we lead. Some of us were "appreciated" and some were not. It got me thinking....the things that really make the difference.
- On Tumuaki Appreciation day I had cuddles and smiles from 5 year olds
- A year 4 eagerly shared the cave weta's that his Dad had brought in to school and he had shared with his classroom
- I received a gift from a year 8 whanau who had just got back from Japan
- Earlier in the week I had two staff members that gave me flowers after a surgical procedure welcoming me back.
I was able to enjoy these special moments with joy. These things all fell on Principal Appreciation Day quietly and I felt so good! You don't do a job for recognition, appreciation or kudos, but boy it helps when you get to see the great things in your role too.
The week has been a challenge. Staff unwell, trying to find cover, jumping in the classes, juggling as staff have things on and I try my best to jump in to alleviate stress by taking their class. Three late nights in a row with 11 and 12 hour days with board meetings and then first aid training. So much "extra" to fit in. However, peel back the "extra's" and the best times are always with the kids.
I look outside and see the uniforms that I have brought home and washed. So many things you do to keep everything rolling along to the best that you can. Such a small thing, washing uniforms, but one of the many extra things that go unnoticed. I wonder if people realise the depth of the role in a small school. You simply do not have the manpower to get the little things done, so they are done on top of the massive amounts of administration required to keep a school rolling along.
The absolute best part of the job is the students. Seeing them experience new learning, opportunities, special moments. It is gold. Not only are you working with the best age group, but the support with the extra things are huge. Staff that are part of the waka and on a journey to support the kura is vital. Connection with whanau, tamariki and the community is vital. How blessed we are as a special character school with our Parish working alongside our kura in such a supportive way.
As we roll through the immense changes that the Ministry keep throwing at us, it reminds me to keep things in perspective. At the end of the day, our tamariki are the ones that keep us in our jobs. Those supportive staff members that quietly go about to make you feel appreciated are gold. No matter what your role is, know that you make a difference with the small compliment, the offer of thanks and noticing the small and big things that are happening.
No, it was not recognised at my kura, but I know I always make sure my teaching staff and support staff are acknowledged on their appreciation days. I believe it is important that they feel the awhi and feel valued. We have the very best morning tea's celebrating birthdays and achievements. Each staff member gets flowers or a voucher on their birthday and any milestones are celebrated together, just like we do for our tamariki. I hope that it brings some light into their lives too.
So, Tumuaki Appreciation Day 2025 was an opportunity as always to reflect, be thankful and continue on the journey in education which is dynamic, challenging, rewarding and hard! What a privilege to be a Tumuaki in 2025!
Clean uniforms, all ready to go for week 3!
