Saturday, July 26, 2025

Term Three 2025 - Principal Appreciation Day

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!







Saturday, June 7, 2025

Term Two, 2025 - Te Ao Mārama – Embracing Hope through Aroha and Whakapono.

 It has been a real privilege to attend the NZCPPA Conference in Wellington.  A really important time to connect with other Catholic Principal's throughout Aotearoa.  

The theme Te Ao Mārama – Embracing Hope through Aroha and Whakapono really resonated with the importance of connection.  God made us to connect with others to support our faith as community.

Keynote speakers

Vince Ford

Suggests that we ask an open ended question of students who are in our office “What does it feel like to be you today?”

See things from their perspective. He challenges us to connect through storytelling.  As leaders, imagine the stories behind the behaviour.

In daily interactions - Take a breath before you judge. There is more to the story. 


Mass with Archbishop Paul Martin in the Wellington Cathedral. This beautiful church has only been open for one year, as it was made earthquake proof which took approximately 5 years. It radiated peace and hope. The homily from Bishop Martin was truly inspiring. He spoke about being a secondary school teacher and understood the significance of education. He prayed for our hope, wisdom and passion as we head for Pentecost Sunday this weekend. An absolute highlight of my time away.










Maggie Craig was a keynot speaker who linked parables to communion with others.

She spoke about the "Road to Emmaus, 7 miles - 7 is a significant number". She spoke about Jesus is not a subject to teach but a person to engage with. 

Do not be afraid appears 365 times in the bible. One for each day of the year 

Theology of friendship. Friendship has power.You are built to be in relationships with others. Spiritually we need friends 

4 levels of friendship 

Heart - very rare - take time. Lot of honesty. Defined by vulnerability 

Common interest - see the world the same way

Convenience - see each other regularly- work, live nearby 

Functionality - mutually helpful to each other

- very basic 

We need each other - to send the devil back. The devil brings doubt, criticism and loneliness. Work on developing friendships of the heart. Be vulnerable. Be courageous.


Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Term One 2025 - TTPA Conference - "Navigating New Horizons - people, place, environment"

Kia ora

As I reflect back on the term, we have had so many new opportunities as kaiako and for our tamariki.  Highlights have certainly been the recent professional learning opportunities. Most recently is the Te Tai Tokerau Principal Conference "Navigating new Horizons - People, Place, Environment".  Discussions on the use of AI in schools.  Encouraging the opportunity to teach our tamariki to not be "consumers" of digital technology, but rather to think critically about what is online, how we use it and whether it is correct.  AI is certainly progressing at a rapid pace, but our real need in the world is peace, kindness and care.  If we took action to help others in need if we are able to, we would be in a beautiful place.

Inspirational speakers such as our MC Pio Terei, Arnika Macphail, Dan Te Whenua Walker, Vince Ford, Jemarl Paerata and Dave Letele.

Te Mataiaho has rolled out for our kaiako to use in our classrooms, alongside structured literacy and structured maths.  Our staff are brave and trying so many new things in the classrooms and I am so proud of the progress we are making in all aspects.

At the end of the day, we are committed to our students and providing an environment which is rich in faith, learning and opportunities.  It is a privilege.

Nga mihi nui

Kathryn Carey