Albury principal loving new role
It has been an unsettling few years for Albury School but with a new principal taking up the reins and navigating through Covid-19 disruptions competently the future is looking bright.
The small rural year 1 to 6 school, with a roll of about 26, was placed in limited statutory management by the Ministry of Education in 2017 due to communication breakdowns between the then principal and board of trustees.
In 2019 the school returned to self-governance with a limited statutory manager in place to take responsibility for employment matters.
Donna Donnelly was appointed as the new principal at the start of 2020.
She said she was delighted to get the job.
‘‘Taking on a new role in a small school is very exciting and I have enjoyed developing relationships with the students, staff and parents.
‘‘The school has numerous traditional community events that encourage strong partnerships and these are continuing to be fostered.
‘‘Albury School also participates in a variety of events with other local schools and these interactions support students to develop friendships throughout the wider community,’’ Donnelly said.
‘‘It is heartening to see such positive social skills shining through our Albury kids and our strong school values. I am delighted to be part of this community.’’
A few months after she took up the role, Covid-19 hit shutting schools.
‘‘None of us were expecting the pandemic and I am proud of the response from our community and staff as we supported the students through online learning, and the opportunities this provided for connections between students when we were unable to physically be at school.’’
She said though it had been a challenge at times to access resourcing for building upgrades, the school was working on plans to upgrade learning spaces, reroof, and reline the pool.
‘‘I find myself in a position where having a closer contact with the students in a small school has reinforced and invigorated my passion for student learning.’’
The school’s major focus in 2020 has been Enviroschools, a national programme of commitment to sustainability, and has resulted in a Bronze Award, the first level in the process.
In the past Donnelly has worked at Tipunga Primary School in Whangarei and at Karamea Area School in Buller on the West Coast among others.
Albury board of trustees chair Nick Fisher said 2020 had been a historical year with no time for a normal induction or bedding in period for Donnelly.
‘‘Donna brought a wide range of experience with her to our school which was almost immediately tested as the first disruptions were inflicted early in the academic year by Covid-19. The resulting disruption, then closedown, of classroom facilities while continuing to deliver education to the students presented some unique challenges and interactions with the wider community.’’
He said Donnelly had a lot to navigate and understand while taking over as principal.
‘‘To her credit Donna has integrated into the district and school culture very well and has effectively developed and led a great team.’’