Principal's Welcome 

16th September 2022 (Friday)

Kia Ora Tātou

I must begin this newsletter acknowledging the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Whatever our thoughts of the need and purpose of the monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II was our Head of State, and her values and sense of service are to be admired. She deserves our respect.

Over the past week or so, a quote from Winston Churchill, her first Prime Minister, has been shared. It is ‘the further backward you look, the further forward you can see.’

The same sentiment is expressed in the whakatauki. Titiro whakamuri, kokiri whakamua.

Look back and reflect so you can move forward.

The college is working through a consultative process to develop its next three-year Strategic Plan. Part of that process is to look at the current plan. Events of the past three years have made us all reflect on what is important, and these priorities need to be reflected in the college’s vision and values. The sentiments outlined above of looking backward to move forwards resonate with the work we are doing.

The current vision is for ‘Glendowie College to be one of New Zealand’s foremost schools.’ This vision will change. The survey feedback and focus group discussions wanted a vision that:

• removes the word ‘foremost’ from the school vision statement
• has a more student-centred vision statement
• has a vision that reflects the school and not as part of a competition with other schools/ranking
• has a vision statement that is less ‘vague’ and clearly reflects our values
• has student success as the focus
• refers to the future

Another important aspect raised was to ensure the college values are aligned with and underpin the vision. Further feedback on strategic plan progress will be provided over the course of the remainder of the year.

Tournament Week

Congratulations to all teams that participated in Tournament Week. Although some teams may have been disappointed with their final placings, the feedback about attitude, commitment and behaviour has been very positive.

The Girls’ Hockey team who went to Gisborne gained bronze medals while the Underwater Hockey teams had an outstanding tournament. The two girls’ teams were placed 6^th and 7^th in New Zealand while the Junior Open were runners -up and the Senior Open were national champions. Ryan Lock (13NAI) was named the ‘Top Male Player’ of the tournament. This meant that Glendowie College received the trophy for ‘Top School’ in the country. It is also pleasing to note that the Senior Open team was coached by Jackson Godfrey, a former student. It is great when former students continue to be involved with the college.

The Boys’ Field Hockey team should be acknowledged for the way they conducted themselves. It is rare for a principal to receive emails from a parent of an opposing team and an umpire praising the way a team has behaved. The motel owner where they were staying also had positive things to say. Well done boys, you are a credit to yourselves and the college.

Ngā mihi nui

Gordon Robertson

Principal

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