Welcome to the Times feature when we spotlight the principals of east Auckland schools. This time it’s with Louise Campbell, of Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Pakuranga.
How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I’ve been an educator for the past 30 years. Trained at the Auckland College of Education whilst also completing a Bachelor of Education at Auckland University. We were the first year where they offered the four-year double qualification.
When did you become principal of Our Lady Star of the Sea School?
I was welcomed to the learning community as principal in October 2018, exactly six years ago.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
As an educator there’s nothing better than building strong relationships with your students, knowing their strengths and needs well and designing learning programmes to best meet their needs. There’s a real joy in seeing students learn and grow whilst in your care. As a principal, engaging with whānau in the learning journey of their children is a real privilege. Creating the conditions for the school to flourish through community engagement, strategic planning, working with a committed and amazing team, the provision of effective professional development and nurturing a culture of care, support and hard work for the best outcomes for our students is truly satisfying. It’s worthy work!
What’s special about your school?
Our Lady Star of the Sea has a 176-year history of excellent educational outcomes and supporting the growth of the whole child in east Auckland, being one of the earliest established schools in Auckland. We have a strong Special Character as a Catholic school and take pride in the education we provide based on the Gospel values of respect manaaki, justice tika, service āwhina, courage māia and resilience ngāwari. We have an amazing team of committed, highly skilled and engaging staff, with fabulous children and families. We’re well resourced with top-class facilities and grounds.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education / school management sector?
It feels like education is somewhat of a political football, with successive governments making sweeping changes and schools needing to pivot as a result. Ongoing strengthening of the system and necessary changes through such mechanisms as the curriculum review process take time to be introduced and deeply embedded. Addressing issues behind teacher shortages, increasing the provision of learning support and further supporting student and teacher well-being would be great improvements to the system.
How is the relationship between the school and its immediate local community?
As the Parish school of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church our connection to the local community is strong. Although we don’t share a site with the church, community connections remain strong with many families having attended for generations. We’re well known in the local community for our galas. This year, we’re having a change of pace, where, instead of our traditional gala we’re hosting a twilight market, coming up on the evening of November 1. There will be great food on offer as well as entertainment for young and old. There will be crafts the children have made on sale as well as some great stalls hosted by the families of each class.
