Highlighting the Inspiring Work of Principals Across Aotearoa
‘Principal Spotlight‘ is an initiative driven by the New Zealand Principals’ Federation to highlight the positives of principalship by spotlighting principals from across New Zealand.
By spotlighting our peers we lift morale, strengthen connection, and help attract and inspire future leaders. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and feel proud of the difference you make every day.
A massive thank you to Barri Dullabh of Tawa School for featuring in this issue of ‘Principal Spotlight’!
What is your favourite thing about working in education?
Seeing our ākonga ‘get it.’ Seeing those lightbulbs go on when tamariki learn new concepts still brings a tear to the eye.
How long have you been in principalship?
Nearly seven and a half years.
What is your most memorable moment in education?
There are so many because they happen in little ways. But a big moment was navigating the Covid years and keeping our whole school community connected, engaged and thriving as they we came out the other end.
What excites you about principalship?
The opportunity to shape a community from ākonga to kaiako to whānau. Creating a safe space for our hāpori and embracing the diverse nature of our whānau. When we do that, learning becomes so much easier so we end up creating a beautiful learning culture where ākonga thrive.
What PLD have you completed that you found beneficial?
Personally: The strengths coaching I did with my appraiser – it made me realise how to leverage the things I am good and not see my weaknesses as negatives. It gave me confidence to be who I am as a leader.
Pedagogically: The fortnightly in-house PLD we have been doing in literacy and maths. I am a better teacher because of it.
If you could change one thing in education what would it be?
Sit education outside of partisan politics so that a real long-term vision for education can be established, worked on and realised that isn’t battered by the winds of political change.
What do you enjoy outside of your life as a principal?
Spending time with whānau, making great coffee, travelling, listening to music, my faith community and hanging at good cafes.
