Well, here it is…my final Greenhithe newsletter! Today I would like to reflect on our progress and say some thank yous.
Firstly, the kids…everyday is wonderful as Principal of Greenhithe School. Everyday the children not only greet, but have conversations at the bottom gate, asking me how my day is going, or telling me to have a great day, there is no better way to start the day! I will miss the conversations about football or the Warriors! I will miss the children sharing their stories of their lives. I will definitely miss my games of ‘rock, paper, scissors’ at the bottom gate every day. I am so proud of the tamariki at our school. In every way they make me, their school and their families proud. I will miss them terribly.
I want to acknowledge the dedication, skill and professionalism of every single member of our team at Greenhithe. In the many schools, systems and countries I have worked in, I have never seen a better team. They go well above and beyond for your children. Our academic results are amazing, and the biggest impact on student achievement is the quality of the teacher. They take an interest in your child at a personal level and this helps build the crucial relationship that fosters a great learning environment. The way they are taking on board the refreshed Curriculum and the mandates of the last 12 months has been outstanding. They have a lot of work ahead to complete the implementation of the new curriculum, with intensive professional development but I know they will keep delivering excellence in their classrooms. Our support staff, from the office to our learning assistants and our lovely caretaker all are a key part of our school, again, doing amazing things for your children. We have a wonderful, stable and committed staff and I know they will continue to give everything they have and more for the children of our school.
I have a special mention for Michelle Butler and Kelly Knowles. I have been so fortunate to have such supportive, professional and dedicated deputy principals. They have developed all the skills and knowledge of outstanding leaders. As they lead the school as Acting Principals through the transition to a new permanent Principal, I know they will do a tremendous job. It is good to know the school is in good hands. I will miss their support.
I also want to thank the Greenhithe community. I have loved being a part of Greenhithe for the last 10 years. I have developed friends in the area and try to play football still for Greenhithe. I have tried to put Greenhithe School into the community, supporting the Greenhithe Emergency Resilience Group and being part of ANZAC Day parade as examples. The school community has always been so supportive of the school. We have a unique community, maintaining the ’village’ feel, which is rare in the wider Auckland area. Thank you for taking the time to say good morning, for talking to us directly when there have been questions, for supporting the school and PTA events and for giving us your amazing children to be part of our school. I feel very privileged to have been part of the school and community for the last 10 years.
I’d like to acknowledge the Board members I have worked with, each one has brought high expectations of the school, helping us to drive the school forward. I would like to thank each of the Chairs/Presiding Members for their time, personal support and guidance in my time here. I was fortunate to have worked with such dedicated leaders of the board, Greg Stewart, Scott Rees, Kathy Frame and Samantha Ebel-Brown. I know that Samantha is working very hard, with the board, to ensure they get the appointment of the lucky person who gets to lead the school right.
I’d also like to thank the PTA, what an amazing and dedicated group! They work tirelessly for your school to allow us to add additional funds to the Government funding. The PTA also has provided some epic social and fun evenings in my time here too, bringing the community together.
In my time we have gone through extended lockdowns with COVID, many Government changes to education and policy that affected us, several property projects, classroom floods, a cyclone and many other challenges. The way the staff and community have always rallied round in challenging times was heartwarming. I am very proud of the school and leaving is the single hardest career decision I have ever made.
Our school is in a great place with a strong and passionate Board Presiding Member in Samantha Ebel-Brown, a wonderful group of senior and middle leaders to continue to strive for excellence in all areas, a great staff, great facilities and most importantly, a wonderful group of kids. I have loved my time at Greenhithe School and will always look back with fond memories upon my time here.
Thank you, it has been an honour and privilege to lead such a stunning school in an amazing place.
Ngā mihi
Stephen Grady
Principal/Tumuaki
Greenhithe School
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