Season 2 Episode 17 Overcoming isolation in rural schools: Community and connection
Leading a rural school comes with unique rewards and challenges. Mārama Stewart speaks with three passionate rural principals about what drew them to rural education and how they navigate life in close-knit communities. Our guests share how they look after their hauora, maintain professional boundaries, and stay connected through networks like RASLA. From bleeding generators to managing septic systems, they remind us that rural principalship extends far beyond leading teaching and learning.
This is part one of a two-part conversation exploring rural school leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our guests are:
Ally Gibbs, principal of Mulberry Grove School, Great Barrier Island
Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland
Greg Allen, tumuaki of South Makirikiri School in Rangitīkei.
Additional information
New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association (RASLA) https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz
--------
24:39
--------
24:39
Season 2 Episode 16 Supporting kaiako through their professional growth cycle
In this episode, we explore how principals can effectively support teachers through the professional growth cycle – moving beyond the old appraisal system to create meaningful, growth-focused practice. Our guests share practical strategies for using data effectively, fostering professional curiosity, and creating systems that support teachers before challenges become competency concerns.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Rose-Anne London from the Teaching Council
Stephanie Thompson, principal of Beachhaven School in Auckland
Isaac Day, former tumuaki and leadership advisor in Nelson/Tasman
Additional information
Teaching Council https://teachingcouncil.nz/professional-practice/professional-growth-cycle/
--------
32:20
--------
32:20
Season 2 Episode 15 Leading curriculum and pedagogical change
In this episode, we explore the leadership challenges and opportunities that come with implementing curriculum and pedagogical changes in schools. Our guests share their approaches to leading educational transformation, from building staff knowledge and confidence to creating sustainable change that improves student outcomes.
Hosted by Mārama Stewart.
Our guests are:
Arihia Stirling, tumuaki of Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae
Catherine Law, principal of Avonside Girls’ High School
Lorraine Taylor, principal of Silverstream School.
--------
35:09
--------
35:09
Season 2 Episode 14 Your Leadership Lifeline: The Leadership Advisory Service
In this episode, we discover how this free, confidential service helps school leaders navigate challenges from board conflicts to strategic planning, and why reaching out for support - even when you don't need anything - can transform your leadership journey.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Former Leadership Advisor Phil Toomer, principal of Meadowbank School in Auckland
Former Leadership Advisor Jackie Barron, principal of St Hilda’s Collegiate School in Dunedin
Leadership Advisor Melissa Anderton
Leadership Advisor Amy Hacker.
Additional information
Ministry of Education Leadership Advisors - https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/professional-development-and-support-principals/leadership-advisors
--------
24:20
--------
24:20
Season 2 Episode 13 Preparing for the start of a new school year
In this episode, we get into the planning and preparation required to successfully launch a new school year. As the end of the summer holidays nears, principals across Aotearoa will be orchestrating one of the most critical periods in the school calendar - ensuring everything is ready for students and staff to return to a well-prepared and welcoming learning environment.
Our guests share practical insights into the multi-layered preparation process, from managing staff recruitment and timetabling through to facility maintenance, technology readiness, and establishing the right culture and tone for the year ahead.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Today’s guests are:
Jason Miles, tumuaki of Kaiapoi North School and Vice President of NZPF
Rohan Pearse, tumuaki of Frimley School
Dawn Akroyd, principal of Napier Girls’ High School.
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.
You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz
Experienced school leaders and officials share stories and offer tips about leading schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. This series sits alongside the online learning programme: Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki | The Beginning Pathway for Principals, which can be accessed on the Education LMS https://training.education.govt.nz.
New Zealand