Last Tuesday’s dinner meeting was an enjoyable and informative occasion.
It was a pleasure to welcome honorary member Judy Duckworth and daughter Rachel to the meeting. They had come specially to hear our guest speaker for the night Dale Burden Principal of Howick College.
We also had an opportunity prior to dinner to hear from the dynamic duo of Steve and Malcolm about their upcoming Bangers to Bluff journey in March/April next year. Through a series of overheads Team Tercel as they have named themselves explained what the project is and their preparation of the 1994 Toyota Tercel vehicle that they incidentally had purchased from my grandson (as is where is of course). Team Tercel will be looking for individual and club donations for the charity that the project supports Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (see below for more information).
Following dinner Mike Stanghan introduced Dale who gave us a brief background about himself and his family before presenting an insight into how the College works and the challenges the teaching profession face.
He started by talking about different leadership styles and the importance of having a good leadership team to assist in managing what is a very complex organization. He also emphasized the role of the media and the need to ensure that college kept a positive public profile.
He went on to talk about the 3 major issues facing the College. The first being the present and future curriculum and the different approaches that were necessary to ensure students engagement in the learning process.
The second was how Vaping had become a huge problem for schools and students. From this it would seem that the well-intentioned legislation encouraging vaping as a replacement for cigarette smoking has had some serious unintended consequences for young people.
The third major issue was student Wellbeing. With approximately 24% of students suffering from some form of mental distress it is essential for the College to devote substantial resources to student welfare with good pastoral care and wrap around services.
Dale rounded out his presentation by saying that apart from all these challenges he still thinks that as Principal of Howick College he has the best job he could ever want.
A very interesting and thought-provoking presentation.
Dale was thanked by Mike Stanghan who as an aside at table suggested that Dale may like to share his guest speaker gift of chocolates at school the following day.
Yet again, “Stand In” Sergeant Steve proceeded to announce the raffle winners, take some fines and delivered the “much awaited” pun of the night.
The raffle winners were
– Have a Go 1st Garry Donoghue 2nd Glen Donaldson
- New World David Fels and Rob Mouncey
Charter Night is approaching.
Take Care and Keep Well.
Rob Mouncey
President
