Last week the Senior Leadership Team attended an NZ Intermediate Schools conference. We heard a number of motivating and engaging speakers with some great messages delivered. A number of these resonated with us as we teach such a dynamic age group – the emerging adolescent. Being among like-minded colleagues reminded us of the fundamental needs of this age group and how important it is that we work together as a community so the next generation can contribute positively to society. 

As classroom teachers and school leaders creating a positive environment is critical for creating a safe school where students feel cared for and valued. 

• Connections

The connection between individuals within the school environment is often associated with pro-social connections with peers, teachers, and or one or more adults within the school.

• Commitment

The investment one has in school activities and one’s own learning. This can be seen through the time and energy a student puts into his friendships, schoolwork, and engagement with teachers and school staff.

• Engagement

Involvement is about engagement in conventional activities; the more opportunities a student has to engage in school activities, including “special” projects assigned by the teacher, or other extracurricular activities, the more likely one will feel engaged and connected to school and their peer group.

• Belonging

Finally, a student’s belief in the shared norms and behaviours of the school will more likely lead to rule-following and not causing disruptions. Observing, rather than just being told that rules are equally applied to all students, is key to building belief.

The greater the positive connections among teachers, students and leaders at the school, the greater the perception of safety within their school environment

Ngā mihi nui

Jill Farquharson (Principal|Tumuaki), Shane Devery (Deputy Principal), Bryce Mills (Deputy Principal)