Learning Architects

Exploring ways to effectively manage change and build a positive team culture was the main focus of a full on, but fun and productive day with the Marlborough Principals' Association last Friday. What a terrific bunch they are to work with!

We're looking forward to heading back to beautiful Blenheim again next month for Pt 2, when we'll be taking a closer look at how playing to people's strengths and developing engagement can make a real difference to team dynamics. 😎🌞😎

It was great to catch up with a few familiar faces in town for the PPCBU Conference at the Novotel Christchurch airport before heading to Blenheim for a full day of workshops exploring team dynamics and culture 🛬☀

📣 Still a few spots left.. 7 Habits, 2-day leadership workshop, 25-26 June, Christchurch 📣

"7 Habits reminded me of my purpose and what I hold most dear. It gave me a new lease on my leadership." - Kim Theyers, Principal, Westown School

If you could do with an opportunity to reflect on, reframe or recharge your leadership approach together with a bunch of people who relate to your challenges, then this workshop could be just what you need! 💥

Register now for the 7 Habits for School Leaders 2-day workshop at the wonderfully located George Hotel here in Christchurch. Registration link below ⬇️

If the previous two weeks were all about the diversity of bright lights, big city, these past two weeks it's been the rural locations providing the beautiful backdrop and the insights into what education looks and feels like in different places around the motu.

While the backdrop might have changed to something a little more pastoral, from a breakfast meeting down in the deep south to a coaching session in the Bay of Plenty, one thing that was consistent throughout the trip were the conversations around holistic curriculum development and the importance of learner agency.

It's somehow reassuring to know that while some things change, some remain the same and so long as we keep on keeping the student at the centre, they will succeed.

There's something really special about being able to experience a taste of the amazing diversity that exists in schools across the country.

As well as working with some awesome people from a diverse range of backgrounds, we also get to experience a real diversity of landscape and communities too. This really makes a difference to the way we see things.

Working with teams from one side of Auckland to the other over the past couple of weeks, it's been interesting to notice the contrasts from suburb to suburb, and to consider the various different challenges and opportunities that present themselves to each school within that context. Feeling and experiencing each different place all adds to that bigger picture perspective.

And sometimes, just sometimes, you get the very real bonus of a wonderful view to wake up to. This time, a stunning sunrise on the North Shore... a reminder that anyone ever try to tell you otherwise, it's totally possible to feel relaxed and feel the energy of this beautiful city at the same time ☀️😎

We love introducing teams to new ideas around how to strengthen their leadership, and last week was no exception when Rob had the pleasure of working with the whole leadership team at Newfield Park School in Invercargill.

As well as an introduction to strengths-based leadership, they explored how their strengths can be best used to achieve their collective leadership goals. It was a full-on session with lots of lively conversations, laughter and useful lessons learned.

And the venue - wow - if you get a chance, check out the Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill - what a fantastic location for a workshop! 🚌 🚌 🚓 🏎 🚐 🚒

🍁 🌞 It's always important to balance long-term aspirations with immediate needs.

As we enter the winter term, this whakatauki seems fitting to guide how you might want to finish.

What might you do differently this term to ensure you achieve your goals - not only for your school, but for yourself? 🧐🍁

🌞Well here we are one week into the holidays, and what a treat it’s been to see a bit of sunshine along with the Autumn colours changing around Christchurch 🍂 🍁 🍂

This time of year always feels like such a natural time for rest and reflection, and hopefully you are getting some time and opportunity to do that, as well as think about what’s next.

Do also remember to take the opportunity to reflect on your achievements so far this year, and give yourself a decent pat on the back before diving back into the new term.

Us? We've been doing a decent bit of R&R too, and before we crack back on into the serious business, what are we doing this weekend? That's easy. Before they all blow away, we’re looking forward to running down to Hagley Park and diving into a big pile of leaves 🍂🍃🍂

Being able to support the team at Oaklands School Te Kura o Ōwaka as they welcomed their new Tumuaki, Graeme Norman, who was officially handed over on Thursday last week was a great way to end the term ☀️

It was a beautiful ceremony with kapa haka and whaikōrero. Thanks for the invitation. You’ve got a great team there at Oaklands Graeme… we hope you quickly settle into this wonderful school community and enjoy the role!