Term One marked the end of what has been an exciting and challenging three years as Whānau ki te Ako Co-Lead and, more recently, Lead Principal. 

While this mahi took me away from ASHS on Fridays, it allowed me to spend that time in our feeder schools, helping to build connection and collaboration across our school community.

A massive thank you once again to Sue Smith (ex-Principal of Upper Harbour Primary School), who co-led with me up until the end of last year and was such a joy to work with. I also want to thank DP Cristina Casey, who stepped up to fill my role here on a Friday – it is a testament to Cristina and my entire senior leadership team that my absence was barely missed! Thanks also to the Across School Leads who I have worked with over this time.

The kāhui ako is an important initiative with the potential to provide great opportunities for stronger connections, collaboration and support across our community. Highlights have included the Whānau ki te Ako Conference in 2023, and the Within School Lead Days and community events in 2024. Having the opportunity to bring to life the “Better Together” campaign – which saw myself and Cushla presenting to parents from our primary schools and sharing the alumni video showcasing what our former students gained from our pathway – was also a real highlight, and a testament to what we can achieve.

That said, the kāhui ako is not without its challenges. As schools, leaders and teachers get busier and busier navigating refreshed curriculum documents, national strategies and initiatives, it can be tricky to make space for Across School Leads (ASLs) and all the expertise and energy they have to offer. There has also been the ongoing push and pull of schools wanting the work of kāhui ako to be more visible, yet often struggling to find the space and time for their teachers and kāhui ako leads to connect and collaborate. I am proud of the work that the ASLs do, and am excited to see how their roles will evolve in the future. 

In closing, I want to congratulate and thank Cushla Shepherd, Principal of Albany Junior High School, who will be taking on the role of Lead Principal from the beginning of Term Two, 2025. It is great to know that the team will continue to be in very safe hands!

Ngā mihi nui,
Claire