Principal's Page

Kia Ora Friends 

We began this year as a staff considering the big question, "How Do We Maintain Our Humanity in an Age of Exponential AI?"

I believe AI is the most impactful change on society since the introduction of the World Wide Web. It is exploding at a rate so exponential that it dwarfs the rate of change of any previous 'technological innovation.'

The internet is currently flooded with AISlop - memes, TikToks, posts, videos and articles that in many, many cases are fake, dishonest, malicious, insidious and dreadfully dangerous.

In such times, children and the elderly are particularly at risk - in so many new ways each day.  In fact, we are all at risk. Even the most security-conscious and tech-savvy are falling victim to tricks, scams, phishing attempts, and fraudulent offers and information being unleashed in waves.

The only defence many of us can see is teaching thinking, most especially critical thinking. For all 34 years I have been a principal, I have repeatedly told my staff we need to teach discernment - the ability to look at something critically, clearly and objectively.

We have to teach children - and remind ourselves - to do our research. Not Facebook research where we read some targeted, hidden-agenda posts, but real research from a number of diverse and reputable sources.

I have an article on critical thinking to follow. It underscores the importance of this skill. It explains some of our approaches at WHS and offers suggestions for ways you can build on this with your own children at home.

Some of the above sentences may sound a little dramatic. In my view, this is one of the single-most important skills we can give our children. Without these skills, our children are guaranteed to become victims, one way or another and sooner rather than later.

I challenge you to follow the guidance of this ancient whakatauki for yourself and for your children.

“Kia tūpato - Pause. Check. Ask.”

• Pause: Don’t click the first thing.
• Check: Look for the real source (official site).
• Ask: If unsure, ask a trusted adult before sharing details.

Thank you sincerely for considering this important matter.

Ramadan 

Now is one of the most important times of the year for our Muslim brothers and sisters - the month of Ramadan. As best as I can ascertain, the first day of international fasting is Wednesday, 18 February. Ramadan runs through until Eid on Thursday, 19 March. 

In honour of that - much more to come soon - here is a sweet-treat recipe popular with many Muslim friends.

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, begins this week. For many, suhoor and iftar meals, which bookend long days of fasting, are incomplete without these sweet, stuffed semolina pancakes known as qatayef. The cream filling in this recipe is scented with orange blossom and rose water. 

Below is a link to a recipe with a four-step process for making them, a variety of cooking methods (air fryer is best), and the specific steps for each element.

https://www.hungrypaprikas.com/qatayef/

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.