Throughout my career I have demonstrated a wide range of leadership skills and capabilities during my positions as a, lead teacher, ICT facilitator and Principal.

I received a ‘Celebration of Southland Award’ for services to commerce. I have proven administrative skills, as a Principal; in consultation with board and staff I have reviewed the administrative systems at the schools I have worked in developing comprehensive Governance Manuals, Teacher Information Book, Curriculum Plans, Strategic and Annual plans.

My experience in education is extensive and I have worked with in a  range of schools as a classroom teacher,  facilitator, specialist teacher and Principal. I enjoy developing programmes to meet the needs of students. I believe tasks should be open ended to allow students to challenge and extend themselves.

I am committed to developing a generation of life long learners who see the opportunities life presents.

My leadership vision is for a team approach to daily school life, creating an ownership and belonging to every member of the  staff, board, community and the students.  I have built an inspiring, innovative teaching and  learning environments in which shared professionalism, objectives and diversity are sources of  strength, creativity and friendship.

As principal of enrich@ILT, I developed a specialist Gifted and Talented programme with GKP (Gifted Kids Programme) for the 23  primary schools in the Invercargill area. The centre operates as a ‘one day school’ to meet the needs of a range of gifted and talented students across the city. I was also responsible for the remodelling of our site and set up of the ICT innovation  programme. I managed this project, and was responsible for the budget, liaising with contactors, engineers and purchasing the equipment for the centre. The project was finished on time and within budget. The environment created is dynamic and unique.

I am a decisive organised person who plans and prioritises tasks on a daily basis for the effective running of a cohesive school environment.

Communication is the foundation of a school. Open honest discussion is crucial to ensuring your school community are well informed of what is happening in their school. I have found parents and whanau enjoy being involved in school activities and  enjoy to be invited in to the school to celebrate and collaborate. Throughout my career I have presented at several education conferences, including Ulearn, Learning@School and on three occasions at the CORE Education online conference. These presentations covered a range of topics including authentic use of ICT in numeracy and literacy, cluster facilitation and questioning tools.

In my role as principal I have built on and developed the systems and structures to run a successful school. Staff have  commented positively about the collaborative and empowering leadership which has fostered individual strengths while  encouraging and supporting risk taking.

People are important to me. I am a people person and enjoy developing and maintaining relationships.

I modelled the role of lead learner by constantly sharing ideas and innovations at, staff meetings and principal management  meetings. Staff have felt reenergised. They have appreciated my practical ideas and found these extremely useful and easily  transferred into the classroom.

My understanding of the New Zealand curriculum and curriculum initiatives have created an  atmosphere of excitement about teaching and what the possibilities can be for students. I believe students should be encouraged  and motivated to reach their potential through good quality teaching programmes with an expectation for students to strive to be their personal best.

As a principal I have implemented several new initiatives to enhance the teaching and  learning opportunities for our students. I use professional reading as part of our staff development which links to our current  school goals. I openly share my genuine passion for teaching and learning and the success we can create for students.

I am a pressure player and enjoy a challenge. I find my organised planned approach to tasks ensures tasks are completed in a timely manner with little fuss. My ability to lead and inspire others has been a focus in my career. 

My obvious love of children inspires me to provide a learning environment where they feel valued as the unique individuals they are and assist them to reach their full potential.