Principal says change is coming
The principal of a South Auckland intermediate school is keen to reassure the community that change is on the way following a negative review of her school.
Manurewa school Waimahia Intermediate has just received its Education Review Office (ERO) report which outlines a number of areas that require improvement.
The report sets out priorities for school leaders which include the need ‘‘to establish effective systems to guide curriculum development, improve overall student achievement and support learning’’.
Additionally, it identified ‘‘noncompliance in relation to appraisal processes, management of health, safety and welfare’’.
Melini Fasavalu was appointed the principal of Waimahia Intermediate in October 2016 and is embracing the need to make improvements.
‘‘We’ve got lots of work to do. The ERO report signalled a change for us. It was a really good wake up call.’’
Conscious of the report, she says the school is working hard to have an impact on the kids they have today. On average the school has an 87 per cent attendance rate.
‘‘We have after-school mentoring provided by Auckland University, we have our own study centre where our teachers take lessons outside of school.’’
The Board is also receiving some support around strategic planning from the New Zealand School Trustees Association and a school achievement facilitator is working with the intermediate.
Fasavalu says part of the changes includes giving students greater say in their learning.
‘‘We’re [aiming to] send away students who are curious about the world, who are confident.‘‘
However local resident Shiri Te Whatu is concerned her son might soon have to attend the school because they live in the zone.
‘‘It [the report] is worse than bad,’’ Te Whatu, who is also on the board of two other Manurewa schools, says.
She’s worried because after studying at Waimahia Intermediate, her son will have to move on to James Cook High, which has also received a less than favourable ERO review.
‘‘It is important to me because I take time out to invest in my family,’’ the mother of five says.