I want to introduce myself and tell you about things I value as Principal of Mangapapa School.

My name is Ian Hunter, and I am in my thirteenth year as principal of the school. I enjoy my role as school leader enormously, and find that every year poses different challenges and reasons to celebrate what our school achieves. I say "our school", because we are a place that belongs to children, teachers and community - in other words, we're a community school. We are a united effort where the focus is on getting the best we can for your child as the learner; after all, your child is the reason we have our school, and I see that everyone, in partnership, plays a part in providing and achieving the best education they can. My idea of partnership is children, parents and teachers all working together with a common aim. Partnership is one of my valued beliefs about what I do.

My other beliefs.

What's it All About? The Heart of the Matter! The child is the heart of the matter for the parents, staff and board of trustees of Mangapapa School.

"Connect".
I use the idea of "connect" to talk about that most important relationship - the one between the teacher and the child. Teachers must do all they can to get to know the world from which the child comes. I believe that if teachers get this relationship right, then the rest grows from there.

Parent - Teacher Relationship.
I have a strong belief that the relationship between the parent and the teacher is of critical importance. Parents and teachers need to build a relationship with the child as the focus - a clear communication and understanding works wonders for all concerned.If we have open communication we can always work to get the best for your child.

Behaviour Management.
Mangapapa School has a consistent, school-wide behaviour management programme. Children and teachers understand the process and consequently we have a well ordered school with few major behavioural problems. As Principal I like to spend time with children in the playground as often as I can each week.

Expectations.
I believe that we all need to have high, realistic expectations of ourselves and of the children in our schools. Children need to know how to set challenging goals for themselves and to respond to the challenges set by others. Responding positively to 'the high bar' is part of what Mangapapa School is all about.

A Learning Community.
We are all a community of learners at Mangapapa. The children are here to learn to learn both for today and for the future. I see myself as an ongoing learner, and I engage in a range of new professional learning each year - if the Principal is seen as a learner what can others do but follow? Each year, our teachers continue to learn in well-planned professional programmes aimed at always getting improved learning outcomes for your children.

Evidence-Informed Teaching.
I know we have to teach children what the evidence tells us they need to know next. We are a school that analyses what needs to be done and then we do something about it. Our teachers gather evidence in children's progress using a variety of assessments, and then use the results to take the next learning steps for the child. We gather data across our school in various areas and use the information gathered to plan whole-school programmes and secure appropriate resources to best meet our needs.

I hope that I have given you an insight into what our school is all about. Contact me at any time to find out more. I'm always happy to talk about Mangapapa!

Ian Hunter,
Principal.