Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai

Nurture the seed and it will blossom. 

I have traveled 220,000 km to take my Principalship to another level. 

I have been inspired by my colleagues - Jen, Sue, Luana, Deb, Karolina, Janet, Jo, Katrina, Jenny, Donna and Kay. The conversations that we have had during transfers walking to breakouts, over breakfast, lunch and dinner have well and truly filled my bucket.

We had an incredible visit to an Indigenous Learning Centre in Calgary with the Department of Education hosting us. We learnt about culturally responsive practices and how the Canadian Education system integrates indigenous cultures and well-being into daily life. We participated in a smudging ceremony, toured the school, and shared about our bicultural practices in Aotearoa.

We then traveled to the ULead 2024 Conference in Banff. Out of the 1,100 delegates, 189 were Principals from Aotearoa. There was a range of outstanding keynote speakers and workshops on topics including neurodiversity, trauma-informed practice, indigenous education and wellbeing. My time in the mountains has enabled me to expand my networks and renewed my energy. I have picked up some big rocks and have stepped outside my comfort zone.

At the end of the conference, we traveled by train to Vancouver, viewing spectacular scenery. We visited a Catholic School called Our Lady of Perpetual Hope and learned much about the  Canadian Catholic education system.

International relationships are not just about networking, they are about creating a global community of educational leaders who are committed to excellence, innovation and improving the lives of the students we serve.

Principals bring new ideas, perspectives, and practices to their schools through these connections, enriching the educational experiences of countless young minds and preparing them for a future. Engaging with global colleagues has allowed us as a Principal group to not only shape the present but pave the way for a more promising, equitable tomorrow.

School leadership in Aotearoa can be lonely. As a result of attending this delegation, I feel stronger and sharper. The conference has allowed me to self-reflect and look in the mirror, I have upskilled in a variety of areas for example leadership, wellbeing and indigenous education. I have so many ideas as to how I can continue to raise achievement and reduce disparity at Sacred Heart Cathedral School.

I wish to be more of an instructional leader. I need to make sure that target students receive excellent instruction.

I want to continue to build our Sacred Heart Cathedral School whānau by the way I engage with all stakeholders.

I will strengthen and tighten my leadership capacity through my identity as a leader, presence, impact, vision, and purpose.

I need to give to myself spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Special thanks to:

• Sacred Heart Cathedral School Board of Trustees who were so enthusiastic and positive about my wish to lead a Delegation to ULead in Canada at the end of term 1 over the holiday break.
• Sacred Heart Cathedral Staff who continued with business as usual for the last two days of term 1 2024, delivering an enthusiastic learning programme for our students.
• Lori Prichard, Director of Indigenous for Calgary - who set the scene for our wonderful time of learning and growing in Canada. Lori gave us the most comprehensive overview of what works for Indigenous students and helps them to thrive.
• Our Ministry of Education who have recognised the importance of wellbeing and development for New Zealand Principals.

This delegation has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - words cannot describe how grateful I am.