A really interesting read "Learning Links:Strategic teaching for the learner-centered classroom" by Murdoch and Wilson (2004). Lent to me by one of my staff. I read it at the FTP conference and then have gone over the first couple of chapters again today. Fits nicely with the key teachings of the Incredible Years Course I facilitated for teachers when I was an RTLB, also to the Inquiry Cycle of learning/Action Learning approach. My staff and I will be working through this book as part of our professional reading - looking at how it relates to classroom practice, pedagogy and school vision. I'm sure it will evoke some interesting discussion.

Halfway through the FTP Principal Conference in Auckland! Inspiring and tiring at the same time! I have a bit of brain-overload, but I am looking forward to taking some time next week to reflect on the 'big ideas' and starting an action plan for change.
Though the speakers have been great, I always find the networking sessions some of the most valuable time spent at conferences. I really appreciate the MOE putting in place the First Time Principal  course - workshops, mentoring and conference.

Photo day - Smile

Today was school photo day. Everything went reasonably smoothly including the weather gods giving us a lovely autumn day with a colourful backdrop for the photos. It was lovely to see the preschoolers arriving to have the family photos done. The children arrived at school this morning dressed up for the event, with cool hairstyles and big smiles The staff even behaved for theirs - sitting up straight, smiling and not running away to get out of the annual photo.

First post

Today is the day I started my blog as  the Principal at Whakamaru School, Mangakino, NZ. As a staff we are learning how to set up and write blogs. Some of us are further ahead than others, but as we are life-long learners everyone is really willing to learn. It will great to see each classroom having it's own blog.