Learning Architects

It was definitely a fresh start to the day down in Glenorchy at the end of last week.

But, sometimes there’s just no question that however crispy it might be looking outside… it’s always worth putting on your beanie and heading out before breakfast to take in the view. 🏔 🌅 🌄

As we get ready to roll on into term three, a quick look back at the end of last term where the team at Newfield Park explored ways to deliver feedback in a number of different situations.

Part three of a strengths-based leadership series, it was great working with such motivated people who want to do better with and for their teams, well done Newfield crew - an inspiring session for sure!🗣️ 👀 👩‍🦱 🙏

As we’re coming to appreciate more and more each year, mid-winter and Matariki provide the perfect opportunity for reflection and renewal. And it was great last week to take a group of principals through Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits at our mid-winter 2-day leadership workshop at The George Hotel here in Christchurch ❄️🌨

It’s never easy to make time for yourself as a principal, but as feedback shows time and again, it’s really worthwhile to stop and reflect on what’s most important to you, consider where you’re at and reset your priorities.

“The frequent opportunities for personal reflection were very valuable.
We don't often take the time to be intentional about this in our busy days.”
- Erika Frank, OneSchool Global

This was our last ‘open’ workshop for 2026, but if you’re keen we can run an onsite session tailored to your leadership or Board team 🎯

🌞 😎 Well it's sure been a busy term and we are sure you are ready for a well-earned break!

Whatever you have planned for the school break, we wish you a safe, relaxing time which enables you to truly switch off and recuperate; perhaps catch some rays and maybe even some snow 🌻 🏂 🌞

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 ☀️😎