Principal’s Notes

Principal’s Notes:

It is with much pleasure that I announce the appointment of Julie Debreceny to the position of associate principal here at Western Springs College/Ngā Puna o Waiōrea.  I know the community will be overjoyed at this appointment as many of you have shared with me the value of ‘Julie time’ in relation to the pastoral care of your children.  Julie’s capacity for work, her kaupapa of giving and her ‘turning of hand’ to anything and everything that needs doing is legendary.  The rapturous reception from staff to the news of her appointment underlines the absolute confidence all of us have in Julie.  As associate principal Julie will assume the acting principal position whenever I am away from the school.  I know you will share with me, and Julie, your joy in relation to this appointment!

Preliminary ‘scoping’ work is beginning with our architects Jasmax around stage 2 of the campus redevelopment.  This roll growth funding will provide us with the equivalent of 17 additional classroom spaces and a second gymnasium.  The school community partnership with Auckland Council to provide an additional two gyms, making 4 in total, is still ‘live’ despite the Council’s financial challenges.  Our Board is adamant that any construction must be scheduled to coincide with the Ministry’s stage 2 roll growth work.  More specific details will be coming you way frequently as we move into this phase 2 with a planned completion date by the end of 2022.

From my Year 9 and 10 Prizegiving address I share this with you, summing up as it does our kaupapa here at Springs/Waiōrea.  It is from an author unknown, so I dedicated it to our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern:

Don’t become preoccupied with your child’s academic ability. But instead teach them to sit with those sitting alone. Teach them to be kind.  Teach them to offer their help.  Teach them to be a friend to the lonely.  Teach them to encourage others. Teach them to think about other people. Teach them to share.  Teach them to look for the good.  This is how they will change the world.

Ivan Davis
Principal