NZ State Secondary Schools - and why they are great. |
I have now had the opportunity of visiting several types of schools in Australia, London and Los Angeles over the last few years. Some of these colleges were private, religious, charter schools and the equivalent of state-funded secondary schools.
All were very good with their own challenges and catered very well to their students and communities with the resources and limitations in which they operate.
On reflection, I realise that what we have in NZ with our state-funded secondary school system is, if not the best model, then it is pretty close.
Confirming my reasons for this are
School Boards get to appoint the Principal of their choice: This means the Principal (myself) is committed to the College's vision, values and goals.
Principals get to appoint all the teachers: This ensures I only appoint teachers who are committed to the vision, values and goals of the college and want to make a positive difference for our children/rangitahi.
We have School Zones: This ensures schools and staff work hard to strengthen relationships with our family and whānau to build strong communities that reflect similar visions, values and goals.
Nationwide NZ Curriculum: so all teachers and schools cover the same educational material and common assessment NZQA in these schools. We can compare, share and build consistency in our schools and across the country.
NZ State Secondary Schools, like Waitākere College, actively promote school sports, and cultural celebrations at both school-wide and regional levels and enrich our rangitahi through school shows/productions, enhancing their sense of citizenship.
This is a consistency that makes strong schools and strong communities and in reality, continues to lift the standard for us all. Not all states or regions around the world have the privileges above in their state-funded education system.
We are fortunate, and I am grateful to be part of an education system with these features. While there is always room for improvement, we have a solid foundation to work from.
It's great to be back!
Ngā mihi
Mark P Shanahan
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Book Of The Week - We Were Liars By E. Lockhart
Next week's book of the week was recommended by our Readers Cup team. | |  |
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ISC Students Entries in the IHC Art Awards
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Ritches Bus Ticket Update
Ritches are replacing the old yellow $28 tickets with new tickets. | |  |
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2024 Enrolments
Home zone and out of zone important information | |  |
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Representative Netball Nationals Results
Congratulations to all our students that competed. | |  |
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Futures Expo
Wednesday, 2nd August 3:05 - 4:00 pm in the School Hall | |  |
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Sports Draws/Fixtures
Upcoming Draws - Come along and show your support! | |  |
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Upcoming GREASE Young@part Production
Featuring two Waitākere College ISC Students, Harmony and Jarita, this is sure to be a fantastic production!
Friday 28th - Saturday 30th July at Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre | |  |
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Sensory Chair for Neurodiverse Students
The ISC has started a Give a Little page to raise funds to purchase this | |  |
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Mr Shanahan’s CLASS Of The Week 17th - 21st July
MAC201 are this week's winners! | |  |
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