News items

News items:

i.                 Elle Claxton’s Memorial

ii.                Recapitation

iii.               NZEI Paid Union Meeting

Elle Claxton’s Memorial

On Friday I attended Elle Claxton’s memorial service at Westpark School. Elle served as the principal of Westpark School for 23 years, but last month she lost a long battle with cancer. I only met Elle once, but as I listened to past and present students, trustees and teachers talk about her, it was obvious that she was a principal who was much loved by teachers and students alike. There were many glowing tributes to a wonderful woman who dedicated her life to the education of the children in her care. The children particularly highlighted her knack of making each of them feel special and unique. All I could think was…..what a great legacy she has left behind!

This turned my thoughts to a poem by Walt Whitman called “O Me! O Life!” He began this poem quite depressed and asked what the point of life was when so much around him was lack lustre and disappointing. He answered his own question with some incredibly powerful words….

That you are here—that life exists, and identity;
That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse

For me Elle Claxton’s memorial was an opportunity to remember the life of a wonderful educator, but it was also an opportunity to remember that as I live my life, I AM writing a verse (whether I think I am or not) that will remain beyond my earthly years. This led me to think about what is perhaps the most important question – what kind of verse am I writing? Am I writing the best verse possible? Will I leave behind a legacy that I can be proud of?

We wish the Westpark School community all the best as they make important decisions for Westpark School’s future.

Recapitation

Last year we spoke to you at the final community evening of the year about the possibility of applying to recapitate - becoming a year 1 – 8 school. As a result of positive interest in the possibility, we put out an online survey to collect specific data from our school community. We were amazed because 64 people responded within 2 hours and many more within the next 48 hours. Though a couple of very valid concerns were raised, in particular the concern that it is very early in our life as a school to be considering expanding what we do (we should focus on making sure we are doing year 1 – 6 well before thinking of extending to year 7 – 8), the response was overwhelmingly in favour of proceeding with the application. In that survey we particularly noticed the balanced views of parents. Your final decision (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree or strongly disagree) was an informed one, because you had considered the issues in a balanced way.

We have proceeded with the application and this meant consulting with the schools in our local network (northern suburbs). Our main concern was to find out what they thought the impact of the recapitation of Amesbury School would be on their schools. A number of schools felt that it would have no impact and were happy for us to continue with the application. No school was significantly concerned at the impact on their school roll. However, a couple of issues were raised that we need to give consideration to.

It was great to talk to schools and we will take their concerns and issues into account as we put our application together.

The application is due 1 April – so you will see me cloistered in the meeting room over the next week or two (again!), trying to get this big piece of work completed in time and done well.

NZEI Paid Union Meeting – school will remain open

A paid union meeting has been called for this Wednesday afternoon, 13^th March. However, our school will remain open. Most of our teachers will be attending the meeting which has been called to discuss the failure to reach agreement with the Ministry regarding the teachers’ collective agreement. Lesley, Merrick, Gail and the Murrihy family will organise activities to ensure that all the children are well catered for. We also have some very special visitors coming which will be a real treat for the students.