Principal's Page

Kia Ora Friends

A lot happening at the moment, and we are pretty excited to be able to share the good news - and pretty good photos - with you this week. Before that, though, some very relevant and important longitudinal data to share with you - from New Zealand - which provides brilliant justification for our approach to teaching and learning at Western Heights.

Managing self and mental health:

One of the Keynote speakers at the 2022 AIMS Conference in Taupo was  Professor Richie Poulton, who spoke about the ‘*Dunedin Study’, which started 50 years ago.  This longitudinal study is regarded as one of the most important in the world. 

Professor Poulton highlighted a key finding from the study, which is that self-control is the most significant predictor of success in life.

From as early as age two, children’s levels of self-control were evident.  Taking into account socio-economic factors and context, tracking 1007 participants over 50 years has shown that participants’ EQ (Emotional Quotient score) has mattered more than their IQ (Intelligence Quotient score).  Over time, participants who had stronger self-management from an early age were more focused, found it easier to make friends, did better at school, had positive relationships as adults and generally made choices that helped them lead positive, successful lives.

When we consider this finding in the context of a pandemic and a general societal increase in anxiety, stress and trauma, mental health is another learning area we need to understand and know more about.  In doing so, we will better support the mental well-being of students coping with disrupted learning routines, lost learning time, emotional upheaval, isolation from friends and unfiltered social media influences.

We have focused on ways to create a safe, welcoming environment that caters for students with increasingly diverse needs.  These include trauma-informed practice;  mindfulness, and how to integrate mindfulness techniques within the school day;   counselling for students, staff and/or whānau and individualised programmes for vulnerable students. 

Also speaking at the conference, Dr Michael Carr-Greg, a renowned child and adolescent psychologist, challenged school leaders to get creative and initiate solutions to build students’ resilience.  He suggested teaching students strategies to manage their anger, to make and maintain good friends and engage in learning based on their strengths, interests and talents.  

These are all aspects we are focusing on at Western Heights. We are also getting underway with a really valuable and important mental health and wellbeing programme called Mitey. You can find out more here - https://www.mitey.org.nz/portal

I'll close this page with an applicable quote:

“While children may be 20% of the population, they are 100% of our future”. 

Tony Blair

*https://dunedinstudy.otago.ac.nz/

As always - if you have questions or concerns about anything school-related - email me at macash@mac.com, and I will get back to you asap.

My very best regards to you all,

Ash Maindonald

Principal.