1 week Ago By Steve McCracken
Over the past 18 months, the New Zealand education system has undergone significant shifts in how things are expected to be done. Yet, despite the changes, the core goal of education remains: for every young person to be happy, to learn, to be safe, and to leave school equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the big, wide world. That’s what every parent wants, and that’s what we as educators strive for.
I often remind our staff and students that today’s learners will be the ones shaping our future – so we had better get it right!As a school principal, I have the privilege of being at the heart of these changes – implementing them while also ensuring we meet the expectations of our community. It’s a balancing act, made even more complex by the bureaucratic processes that inevitably come with systemic shifts. But at the end of the day, the fundamentals of teaching and learning haven’t changed.
Schools, students, and families all want the same thing: young people who are engaged, supported, and set up for success.One of the most noticeable recent changes in our secondary schools has been the nationwide ban on mobile phones. While students may not have been thrilled by the decision, the impact was immediate – literally overnight.
In my own school, I can no longer hold meetings in my office during break times with the windows open because the noise outside is just too loud. Yes, even in a secondary school! Why? Because students are talking to each other, playing ball games, and reconnecting with the world around them. It’s been a simple yet powerful shift, reinforcing the importance of real-life interactions and helping students focus on learning.
Of course, we all have our own experiences and opinions when it comes to education. Along with healthcare, schooling is one of the few things every person has been a “consumer” of. If school was a positive experience for us, we look back on it fondly; if it wasn’t, we remember the challenges.
This naturally leads to a range of views on what should be taught, how it should be taught, and what role schools should play in preparing young people for life beyond the classroom.I frequently hear phrases like “I remember when..
.” and “It did me no harm,” especially from parents reflecting on their own schooling. And yes, many of them have gone on to be successful in their own right.
But the reality is, education is always evolving. The challenge for schools is to filter out the ‘noise’ that comes with change and stay laser-focused on what truly matters: learning, achievement, and making school a place where students want to be.At the heart of all this is a simple truth – education is about preparing young people to contribute positively to society.
We can debate the finer details of curriculum changes, literacy standards, and yes, even the latest updates to NCEA (let’s save that for another time!). But at the end of the day, that’s the job of schools – to provide the best possible foundation for students to thrive.As educators, we have the privilege and responsibility of shaping young minds and, in turn, shaping the future of our communities.
It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and one that requires the trust and support of families and the wider community. After all, these young people will soon be the ones making decisions, leading businesses, and contributing to society. And let’s not forget – they’ll also be the ones paying for our retirement!This is the first of our education column, which will be a regular feature in Hibiscus Matters discussing education trends, challenges and achievements on the Hibiscus Coast.
