Pakaraka School
The leadership team
Although Vee Singh is principal of a small school he chose to appoint a deputy principal and form a leadership team. As he valued Jane's skills and talents he searched for a win-win situation for everyone. By promoting Jane and by introducing her to school administration, this helped the school run at a slightly higher level, and in turn, benefited the rest of the staff and school.
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I'm Jane Lindsay, deputy principal of the school and a member of the leadership team. Through establishing a good working partnership with the principal I think I am benefiting the rest of the school. My role helps ensure that communication and collaboration are more effective in the school. We consult with other staff and ensure that our vision is achieved, then update that vision as things change.
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My role is about problem solving and being a problem solver. It's also about delegating and working alongside staff, and helping them to grow as staff members.
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It's also training for me and a great opportunity for me to develop in my own professional knowledge and experience for the future.
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I've seen lots of changes in the school over the last three years. Student achievement has improved. I think the change in teaching practice that we have embedded has made a significant difference.
I have noticed many changes in the past three years. Formative assessment teaching practice allows children to own their learning. Students are developing self-assessment skills and peer assessment skills, and they are able to talk about where they are at, and where they are to go to next. Students feel more confident. It's okay for them not to know. Owning their learning, I think, is such an essential life skill, and I'm convinced that that is what is making the difference.
