North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Murrays Bay teacher back as principal
Melinda Bennett is proud to be giving back to the community she grew up in as the new principal of Murrays Bay Intermediate School.
Bennett, who took the helm in November 2017, said it felt good to return to the school she had taught at 13 years ago.
‘‘I loved working here when I was a teacher. It was a place that did a really good job of supporting young teachers to be innovative, and recognised potential in people and grew great leaders.’’
One of those leaders was Bennett herself, who had been at the helm of not one, but two, schools in her 16-year career.
Bennett was the principal and a teacher of Ahuroa School in Rodney for nine years before she joined Devonport Primary School in 2014.
She credited former Murrays Bay Intermediate School principal Colin Dale as being an early influence on her success.
‘‘I think what got me where I am today was the fact that Colin Dale recognised leadership potential in me and he really encouraged and supported me to take opportunities.’’
Bennett began her career in education as early as 17 years old, working as a music specialist and piano teacher at six North Shore schools.
Teaching intermediate-aged children was a passion, Bennett said.
‘‘It’s a really important time in childrens lives, developmentally. They’re trying to establish themselves as young adults and figure out where their place is in the world.
‘‘As an intermediate teacher, you can have a significant influence and impact on their development. It gives you the opportunity to make a difference, make an impact.’’
Describing herself as a handson principal, Bennett visited classrooms every morning to wish her students a happy birthday.
‘‘It’s to make sure I connect with every child in the school.’’
In the next nine years Bennett said she wanted to see Murrays Bay continue to be recognised as one of the leading intermediate schools in New Zealand.
‘‘To have a reputation as a school who provides a really robust, rigorous, academic programme, a rich arts programme and a really successful sporting programme that provides opportunities not just for our elite athletes but also for participation and development for all students.’’