Former Matahui School principal launches book

Mennie Scapens launched her new eBook at Matahui School last month; a fitting setting, as this was where her own rebel leadership journey began.

Her eBook titled, The Rebel’s Guide to Leadership, weaves together stories from Mennie’s personal rebel leadership journey - as co-founder and former principal of Matahui School - with new theories of leadership and education.

Mennie’s journey began with concern for her daughter Carly’s wellbeing and education. Carly was quiet, bright, and sensitive, and the limited school options available at that time were just not a good fit. Initially, Mennie became more involved at Carly’s school, observing and questioning how things were done. Before long she was labelled a ‘pushy parent’, and after a couple of years with no apparent change, she raised her rebel flag and announced her decision to withdraw Carly and home-school her.

Fortunately, Chris Hobart, a teacher at Carly’s school, took notice and decided to investigate. She responded that yes, there was a “very real problem” and she suggested to Mennie “instead of home-schooling, what do you think about setting up our own school?”

And that’s how it all began. In February 1988, Chris and Mennie opened the doors to Matahui School (originally Matahui Road School) with a roll of 24 children. The guiding principle of the school to cater for children’s individual and differing needs in a caring, supportive environment continues today. Co-founding Matahui School set Mennie on a learning and leadership journey spanning twenty years that she now refers to as her “life’s work”.

The Rebel’s Guide to Leadership will resonate with educators, although it has been written for a wider audience. It is a guide for leadership and life in general. It’s a call to step into personal leadership, to connect with what truly matters and brings meaning to our lives, and to have the courage to question the status quo if there’s something you would like to see changed. Courage, purpose and authenticity are all hallmarks of rebel leadership.

For more information about the book and to learn more about the author and her journey, please visit Mennie’s website at www.rebelsguidetoleadership.com