Craighead diocesan school

PRINCIPAL – LINDY GRAHAM

As I reflect back upon my first six years as Principal of Craighead Diocesan School, Timaru, I am reminded once again of the privilege to hold such a dynamic, challenging and humbling position.

One example of this is our opportunity to host the Anglican Schools’ Conference recently, involving principals, chaplains, student representatives and Anglican clergy from New Zealand and Polynesia. Anglican Archbishop Donald Tamihere, Pihopa Richard Wallace and the new Bishop of Christchurch Peter Carrell joined us, along with international keynote speakers, John Bell (Scottish hymn writer) and Dr Gerry Morris (US writer and storyteller).

‘Singing our Stories’ highlighted the importance of whakapapa. This

conference was led by the Anglican Schools’ Director, Reverend Anne van Gend and former Bishop of Dunedin, Reverend Kelvin Wright. As hosts, we were able to showcase our talents – our Kapa Haka led the mihi whakatau, our Choir and Chorale performed at the evening Eucharist, and the Trio played at Chapel. Hosting this event tied in nicely with our school theme for this year, ‘Hauora’ – chosen by our 2019 Student Leaders, to improve social, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Our Special Character is alive and well!

Finnish educator and author, Dr Pasi Sahlberg, defines the ‘three big issues’ for school leadership today as Wellbeing, Media and Activism. Given recent global events and their aftermath, we can be very proud of the commitment by our students in effecting change, to make our world a better place.

During these times of nationwide unity around industrial action, it is important to remember how inspiring our young people are, and that they all deserve the best teachers in front of them!

Dr Pasi Sahlberg defines the ‘three big issues’ for school leadership today as Wellbeing, Media and Activism.