Leadership is Deeply Human: Reflections from New Zealand

Last term, I had the privilege of travelling to Auckland as part of a professional learning scholarship, attending the International Confederation of Principals (ICP) World Convention and visiting eight schools across Auckland.

The experience provided an incredible opportunity to connect with educators from around the world, explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and reflect on what makes great schools.

A particular focus of my school visits was exploring how schools approach assessment, feedback and reporting, and how they support students to understand, reflect on and take greater ownership of their learning. These are areas we are continuing to explore at LNPS as we strengthen our Culture of Excellence and focus on developing successful learners.

Across the Convention, there were plenty of big ideas about culture, belonging, artificial intelligence, learner agency, curiosity and the future of education. However, one message continued to stand out for me: education and leadership are deeply human. They are about people, relationships, connection and creating the conditions for everyone to thrive.

The importance of belonging and connection

One of the strongest messages throughout the Convention was the importance of creating environments where people feel known, valued and connected.

This really resonated with me because it is something we have worked incredibly hard to build at LNPS.

Culture isn't something that sits in a strategic plan or on a poster. It is created through the interactions and experiences our students, staff and families have every day. It is how we welcome people, support each other, celebrate success and respond when things don't go to plan.

One of my favourite presentations was from Gilbert Enoka, who has worked extensively with high-performing sporting teams, including the New Zealand All Blacks. He reinforced the importance of belonging and connection as the foundation for high performance.

Whether it is a sporting team, classroom or entire school, people are more likely to achieve their best when they feel connected, supported and believe in what they are part of.

At LNPS, belonging and connection aren't separate from learning and achievement. They help make great learning possible.

Preparing our students for a changing world

Artificial intelligence and the future of education were also significant themes throughout the Convention.

There is no doubt that technology will continue to change how we live, work and learn. However, what I found particularly interesting was how often the conversations returned to the importance of human connection and the qualities young people will need to thrive.

As technology becomes increasingly capable, perhaps the most important question isn't simply what our students need to know, but who we want them to become.

We want our students to be curious, reflective and adaptable. We want them to ask great questions, think critically, work collaboratively, solve problems and take ownership of their learning.

This connects strongly with our LNPS Learner Qualities: Resilient, Independent, Collaborative, Curious, Reflective and Innovative.

These qualities will support our students well beyond their time at LNPS, particularly in a world that continues to change rapidly.

Celebrating what makes LNPS special

Another important reflection was the need to recognise and celebrate what is already going well.

As educators, we are constantly looking for ways to improve and provide better opportunities for our students. However, sometimes we become so focused on what comes next that we forget to celebrate what we have already achieved.

We have so much to be proud of at LNPS, particularly the relationships, opportunities and strong sense of community that make our school such a special place.

I returned from New Zealand with plenty of ideas, reflections and questions, but perhaps the most valuable part of the experience was the opportunity to reflect on what we already believe and value at LNPS.

Great schools are built on great relationships. When students feel known, valued and connected, when educators are supported to grow, and when families feel a genuine sense of belonging, we create the conditions for everyone to thrive.

That is something worth continuing to build, celebrate and protect at LNPS.

Tyson