Nor'West News: June 28, 2016

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[Edition datE]
WESTERN NEWS Tuesday June 28 2016 25
SECONDARY SCHOOL SELECTION
Dual mother and teacher role
provides unique perspective
HAEATA CoMMuNITY Campus will
provide more than cutting-edge facilities
when it opens in 2017, says new Director
of Learning rebecca Wilson – it is a “once
in a lifetime opportunity” for students,
their whānau and the East.
rebecca’s three children will be among
the first students attending the new school
next year.
“As a mother and a teacher I know that
Haeata is the best choice for my kids,
as they will be valued for who they are
as individuals and given the chance to
explore their different passions through
Haeata’s personalised approach to
learning,” says rebecca.
“I also love the fact that they will be at
one school for the rest of their schooling,
as Haeata caters for students from years
1-13. They can stay together for their
education and not be separated.”
Haeata is a “new beginning” for the East,
says rebecca.
“The new campus will change things
for the better, providing a new learning
community with endless opportunities –
with students right in the heart of it.”
rebecca joins Haeata’s Senior Leadership
Team after 13 years at Bromley School, the
last two as Deputy Principal.
As Director of Learning at Haeata,
rebecca is part of a team designing
systems and structures that will ensure a
successful start in 2017. Some of the key
tasks include engaging with families and
students from the contributing schools,
strengthening relationships with Māori
and Pasifika communities, planning for
diverse learners and organising safe travel
routes to and from school.
“I have been in my new role since the
beginning of the year and not a day goes
by that I do not feel excited about Haeata
opening its doors,” says rebecca, who also
lives in the local community.
“Although it is a safe, purpose-built
school with state-of-the-art facilities,
for me it is more about the innovative
learning and community relationships that
will form as a result.
“Student wellbeing is really important.
Like many people living in the East postquake,
it has been challenging for us as a
family at times. It is reassuring to know
that my kids will be supported and cared
for.”
A future-focused learning environment
that utilises innovation and technology
is a key aspect of the Haeata model, says
rebecca. Ensuring cultural and diverse
Rebecca Wilson with her three children – Sienna (6), Grayson (5) and Brooklyn (8).
needs are met, is another.
“Haeata will be culturally intelligent and
cater for diversity. We know that children
learn in different ways and have different
needs. The campus will be at the heart of
our unique community, bringing together
students and their families.
“It is about really getting to know the
kids and their whānau, creating a true
partnership between home and school.
“I have 100 percent faith that Haeata
is going to be phenomenal. I see the new
school bringing lots of happiness to the
community, which is what it deserves.”
“Student wellbeing is really
important. Like many people
living in the East post-quake, it
has been challenging for us as a
family at times. It is reassuring
to know that my kids will be
supported and cared for.”
The future is bright in the East
By Andy Kai Fong
W
hen I first saw the
advertisement for the role
of Haeata Community
Campus Principal, I thought it
was the most exciting educational
opportunity I had seen for some time.
The chance to create and build a
new school is rare. At the time I was
working as the Head of Secondary
at Hong Kong’s Discovery College
and prior to that I held Principal
and Deputy Principal roles at
Hornby and Lincoln High Schools.
Haeata Community Campus will
open its doors in term one of 2017 for
students from years 1-13. The brand
new school is currently being built on
the Aranui High School site.
The campus will combine pupils
from the four schools that are closing
in eastern Christchurch – Aranui
Primary, Wainoni Primary, Avondale
Primary and Aranui High School –
as well as welcoming new students
from the local community.
It’s really important that we
capture the essence of what has
worked well at the four schools
that are closing and apply it in the
new campus.
Families can be confident that
their children will have access
to quality and innovative education
that provides a strong foundation
for their future.
Having students from years
1-13 allows us to build strong
connections between the school,
students and whānau.
We are fortunate to be in
state-of-the-art facilities which will
provide amazing opportunities for
all students and community groups.
We will be engaging face-to-face
with our community regularly to
discuss our plans, seek feedback and
answer questions you may have.
Along with our leadership team
and Board of Trustees, I look
forward to welcoming our first
students in 2017.
This is an exciting time for
the East – join us!
For more information on
enrolment please contact
Deb Palmer on (03) 929 0509 or
botadmin@haeata.school.nz
www.haeata.school.nz
www.facebook.com/
haeatacommunitycampus
MANUKURA / PRINCIPAL
Andy Kai Fong
Haeata Community Campus