Monday Mailing Week 4, Term 3 2025

Letter from Leo the Editor

This week's Mailing is a biggie, and it contains a fair bit of information that might be useful. The professional readings are brilliant and have come from Geoff Booth, Mark Osborne,  Andy Jones, and our own Leanne Otene. There is a timely Connections Day reminder, introduction to our Singapore Delegates Tour, some neat PLD opportunities to pursue, and a NZPF elections reminder that we actively encourage you to explore. There is also my fortnightly dribble below for those of you looking for a poorly articulated distraction piece to either wind you up or make you chuckle.

Can books be harmful? Where have I heard this before..........

I was having a fish with Old Mates Hamish and Tony over the weekend, which as always, was a hoot. To be frank, it was more about banter, psychological abuse (mostly at my expense), and trying to solve the problems of the world than it was about fishing. Anyway, as part of the conversation, we started discussing Doctor Kim Halewood's reading 'Understanding the Why' around the Minister's current focus on 'Structured' and 'Science' of everything, and the positive and negative implications of this. Now, don't get me wrong, I totally understand the power and value of an intervention or tool like 'Structured Literacy' and our school has been on a 5-year Liz Kane, Code Journey. That said, I am very mindful that these tools or approaches are often developed to support those who can't, as opposed to those who can. I also know that there are no silver bullets, miracle cures (except for a cold Waikato), and that great pedagogilists (new word for smart teachers) will always use multiple tools to support outcomes.

Now, for those of you who know me (don't groan, it's rude), you will be aware that I am easily excited, have the attention span of a fruit fly, and can get pretty wound up about certain things. So, it's probably not a surprise to you all that when Hamish then shared the blog posting below on PM readers with me, I totally lost my 'zen-ness' (a new word for shyte) and went off like a firework. Katey Perry reference for 'kaboom'. 

This posting is coming in as a direct response to a young PRT's question around which text is best utilised for her children. Now, this combined with Dr Kim's reading and Erica's recent shot at Open Plan, again highlights how the perceptions and assumptions of a few can be a dangerous thing. It also reminds us how important it is for us as leaders to remember: schools are self-governing, not all our children are the same, Structured Literacy like Numicon is a tool, NOT a curriculum, our schools' needs are contextual, and that any strategy is a good one, if it works! And if it doesn't work, find a new one. (Note the use of caps lock and boldness for effect.)

To the young teacher who asked a great, genuine question, I would hope you have had a sensible, beautiful mentor who reinforced the messages above. Do what you know is right and use what the child needs. To the author of the post, I understand your willingness to help and appreciate the power of a decodable text. That said, calling PM texts harmful, yeah, nah, REALLY? I have, just for you, included two readings below on 'Dangerous Books and Banned Books'; these are scary, and I would suggest to you that using the word 'harmful' to describe a PM text is a little inflammatory.

Next, we will be limiting children's reading choices, banning library books, taking away book corners, and moving away from reading for pure fun and pleasure. Ok, I might be being a trifle over-dramatic (scare mongering), but I really do worry about how standardised and one-dimensional, we as the education sector are becoming. Let's use what's right in our context, right for the child, on the right day.

PS for those interested, I caught the most, Tony forgot the coffee, and Hamish talked the most!

Leo

WPA President Lesley Lomas

Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou, ngā tumuaki o Waikato.A warm greeting to our Waikato Principals.

The WPA's next Connections Day is on Thursday, the 14th of August, at FMG Stadium.  Di Foster will be presenting, as well as specialist employment lawyer Andrea Twaddle. This will be an inspiring and informative day.  Registrations are now open on the WPA website, and we hope that you can join us for the day.

Included in this Monday Mailing is information about our next WPA Study Tour to be held in 2026.  The WPA will be taking a group of principals to Singapore next year. If you think this Study Tour might be of interest to you, then please read the information included in this newsletter to find out more about the event.

We are endorsing Nathan Leith and Geoff Booth, two members of the WPA Executive, as representatives of the NZPF Executive Committee.  It would be great to have Waikato representation in Wellington, as Nathan and Geoff are keen to promote the Waikato region and are experienced, effective school leaders.  Keep them in mind when voting for the NZPF Executive in September.

Kia pai tō koutou wiki. Have a great week.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Lesley

Professional readings, viewings and things you may have missed

NZPF Elections September 2025

As many of you will be aware the WPA Executive has proposed that we nominate Geoff Booth (Endeavour Primary) and Nathan Leith (Berkley Normal Middle School) for the NZPF Executive Elections in September in a bid to get some local voice and presence. To achieve this goal, it will require all Waikato Principals to support, vote, and to do so strategically. With this end in mind we thought that in this edition we would provide you with the bios for both principals. As you will see from the information provided below both are worthy applicants who have demonstrated significant contribution to education and community.

NZPF Elections- Candidate Nathan Leith

Nathan Leith – Candidate for NZPF Executive

Nathan Leith is the Principal of Berkley Normal Middle School in Hamilton and has 19 years of experience as a school leader. He has led in diverse contexts, including a U3 rural school, a U5 rural community intermediate, and for the past decade, a U8 large urban middle school. Nathan brings a strong record of advocacy, deep sector knowledge, and a commitment to supporting principals across Aotearoa.

Nathan has served on the Waikato Principals’ Association Executive for 14 years, developing systems to ensure members have access to high-quality professional learning and support. Nationally, he has been an elected member of the NZAIMS Executive for six years, actively engaging with the Ministry of Education on matters such as student attendance, teacher aide funding, and the organisation of the PB4L Conference.

In 2023, Nathan was part of the NZEI Principals' Collective Agreement bargaining team, advocating for improved conditions and professional support. He also organises events that provide principals with opportunities to connect, reflect, and support one another beyond the pressures of the job.

His leadership extends internationally, having led professional development tours for the Waikato Principals’ Association to Singapore and Australia, while fostering networks across many regions of New Zealand.

Nathan is passionate about principal wellbeing, collaborative leadership, and standing firm in the face of political and systemic challenges. He is committed to being a strong, experienced, and dependable voice at the NZPF Executive table.

NZPF Elections- Candidate Geoff Booth

Geoff Booth- Candidate for NZPF Executive

Tēnā koutou katoa. He mihi tēnei ki a koutou mō te pānui i tēnei. Ko Geoff Booth ahau.

It is a privilege to have been nominated alongside my colleague Nathan Leith for a role on the NZPF Executive Team. I'm currently the Principal of Endeavour School here in Hamilton, a role I cherish deeply. My pathway in educational leadership spans 12 years, during which I've had the privilege of leading diverse school communities, from the unique, close knit dynamics of semi-rural settings to the larger environment of my current urban school. This breadth of experience has only strengthened my belief in, and passion for, our profession and the critical leadership within it.

Beyond the school gates, I've actively contributed to the broader educational landscape. In 2016, I served on the Education Advisory Panel to the Minister, offering insights and guidance on policy and in 2017 was elected as a member of the Waikato Principals Association. Within this role I have had the opportunity to lead national and international Professional Learning initiatives, sharing best practices, fostering growth amongst educators and strengthening our kaupapa of ‘Principals supporting Principals’.  

Outside of Education I was fortunate to serve as an elected member of the Wel Energy Trust Board for a 3 year term. This experience gave me further insight into sound governance structures, the ability to step back and take a wider lens, as well as learning varying ways in which boards can effectively be impactful to serve their members and wider community. 

At the core of my leadership philosophy is to lead with a strong moral compass, ensuring that we are steadfast towards our vision of being ‘the most respected and influential advocate for New Zealand’s school Principals’. 

Finally, I will be sure to represent you and the role we have in the sector with a strategic lens, be someone who listens, understands and works with, to deliver on the issues that matter. This is my commitment and I would be grateful for just one of your votes.

Leading Learning- Doctor Mark Osborne

Try This Tool!

Dr. Mark Osborne shares a tip from his (free) fortnightly email ‘The Middle Leadership Manual’

Overchoice.

What is it?

Overchoice is also known as choice overload: when faced with too many options, most people find decision-making difficult. When there are more that five or six options to choose from, most people are likely to either procrastinate, or choose the most familiar option (which may not be the best one). As a leader, you can help people make good decisions by avoiding overchoice.

In a well-known psychology experiment researchers found that when shoppers were given a choice of 24 types of jam versus six types of jam, people were ten times more likely to make a purchase when offered only six types. Less is more when it comes to decision-making. Having too many options often sends people into analysis paralysis, or a state of not being able to mentally weigh up all competing factors for all potential options. The brain tends to shut down and go for the easy option (typically the most familiar one).

Be more effective in decision-making by reducing a long list of possibilities down to between 3-5 serious choices, then use something like a Weighted Decision Matrix or multi-voting to make your final decision.

Contact: mark@leadinglearning.co.nz

NZRASLA

Last minute bookings accepted!!!!

Webinar – Navigating challenging situations and conversations  

Te Poipoi Kaiako Mentor Support Programme is offering a webinar on 13 August at 3.30pm and 14 August at 7pm. It will cover effective strategies for establishing and re-establishing relational trust, anticipating and working through issues, prioritising safety, and restoring the mentoring relationship after challenging situations occur.
 
To register, visit:
 
Te Poipoi Kaiako | Mentor support programme webinar #7 – Humanitix

Sports Waikato PLD 2025

RONALD MaDONALD HOUSE FUNDRAISER 2026

My name is Pooja Goel, and I am the franchisee of McDonald's Frankton and Centre Place in Hamilton. 🙂

I am contacting you about a community initiative that is very close to our hearts - McDonald's Frankton Family Colour Run/Walk 2026.

This event is being held in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which provides free accommodation and other vital support to families while their children receive hospital care. Many schools across our region will know of students or whanau who have stayed at RMHC during some of their most challenging times.  The Colour Run/Walk is a fun, high-energy event happening at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake track that brings students and their families together to celebrate fitness, school spirit and community- all while raising funds for a great cause. 

How can schools in Waikato get involved?

 We are inviting schools across Waikato to choose a colour, run a mufti day in Term 1, and collect a gold coin donation for RMHC. Share the event details in the school newsletter and encourage families to join the Colour Run/Walk on the day itself (15 Feb 2026). Invite students and schools to fundraise for RMHC and win major prizes and community recognition.
 

I have attached a detailed flyer with some handy information for schools to consider this fun initiative for their term 1. We would be incredibly grateful for your support in encouraging the schools in Waikato to get involved. Your help will make a real difference! I am happy to give you more information or arrange a time to meet and discuss if that works for you and your school. 🙂 Thank you so much for your time and consideration!

Warm regards

Pooja Goel I Franchisee I McDonald's Frankton & Centre Place  Phone : 02102615455 I Email : pooja@pjmaccas.co.nz

WPA Connections Day- This will be good!

Making Connections Day Term Three Thursday 14th August 2025

Di Foster and Andrea Twaddle

A reminder that this is coming around quickly. We have Di Foster, who is an incredible person and a leading life coach, combined with Andrea Twaddle, who is an expert in media, the law, and supporting principals! This dynamic duo are definitely too good to miss. 

Who is Di Foster?

I have an accounting and commerce degree and started working for Tamahine Knitwear in Dunedin as soon as I graduated. That led to a career in management in a variety of companies in the knitwear and production industry. With major shifts in the industry and involvement in business closures, mergers, and start-ups, my coaching career began as a natural transition from working as a business consultant for 15 years.

I’ve had breast cancer twice. Last time they told me I was terminal and I had a year to live. That was 14 years ago. I’m alive and, without being too trite, I want to help people live their best life – both in business and in every other aspect of life. Let’s not delude ourselves, it’s all connected. Business is my true passion and I’m much, much more than a cancer story. It just so happens cancer gave me a ripping yarn and some good life lessons.

Coaching, for me, is about giving people a perspective shift and making them understand life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. We should be doing cool things with the time we have.

Andrea Twaddle

Director, Employment Law and Workplace Investigations.

Andrea is an experienced, highly effective, specialist employment lawyer and workplace investigator.

Andrea is well known for providing astute, commercially sound, and pragmatic advice. Her experience as a Director and prior career in human resources ensures a first-hand understanding that people are essential to an organisation’s success and that some rewards and challenges arise from managing staff.

Andrea is recognised as one of the few specialists in the greater Waikato region to conduct high-quality, independent workplace investigations into allegations of misconduct (including harassment and bullying). She is a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) and holds the AWI Institute Certificate in international best practice investigations.

Andrea has expertise in the health (in particular mental health) and education sectors, and also includes:  Employment law, Workplace investigations, Coronial Inquiries, Education Law, Health Law, Sports Law

Click here to register

WPA Principals Delegation Trip to Singapore 2026

This is a rare opportunity and one that is too good to miss out on. A chance to explore world class pedagogy and innovation, in a stunning context with great principals. A good initiative to table with your Boards and totally aligns with shifting paradigms in NZ education.

NZEI Principals Update

Kia ora koutou Tumuaki,

You are warmly invited to an online pre-Paid Union Meeting (PUM) hui for NZEI principal members across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Taranaki regions.This short, focused session will:

• Unpack what the Ministry’s non-offer actually means for principals, and what’s at stake
• Prepare you for thinking about possible action ahead
• Clarify the purpose of the upcoming PUMs, and outline what next steps are likely to be required

I know how busy your schedules are, so this 30-minute hui at 3:30pm has been designed to minimise disruption while still building strong regional connection and shared understanding.As leaders, our kōrero matters. When we show unity and readiness to act, it strengthens the message to our members, our communities, and those at the bargaining table.Let’s come together in kimi haeata, to be informed, aligned, and prepared.   Click Here To Register For the Online Hui   

Ngā mihi nui

Dane Robertson,

Principal Support Officer (Āpiha Tautoko Tumuaki)

ACKNOWLEDGING PRINCIPALS

Te Rā o Tumeke Tumuaki ,in the last fortnight we had a day to recognise you as the cornerstone of our education system. Your leadership is what drives learning, strengthens communities, and shapes the future of Aotearoa. This note is a humble, but honest, acknowledgement of the mahi you do every day. The principal's chair can feel enormous at times; weighty, complex, relentless, and even on the odd occasion a little bizarre. However, I hope you take a moment to pause and breathe in the importance of your role, and reflect on the huge and positive difference you are making.

As an ex-principal, a parent, a NZEI Te Riu Roa Principal Support Officer, and a New Zealander, I want to say thank you.  Thank you for your professionalism, care, and commitment to growing the future of Aotearoa.  In case you missed Ripeka Lessels' message, here is a link to some photos of our hard-working tumuaki (great to see many familiar faces). 

Dane Robertson,

Principal Support Officer (Āpiha Tautoko Tumuaki) Waikato, Taranaki, Te Rohe o Te Waiariki - Bay of Plenty

Few laughs and a giggle to end

This week I have thrown in a few pictures, memes and funnies that made me smile. To add some spice, I have shared a few additional images from the 'Old Prince of Darkness' Ozzie. Mr Osbourne is someone who could always make me smile and he certainly loved the Rock and Roll mantra. Bat eating, ant snorting, licence failing, substance abusing and yet totally entertaining.......

Business Partners 2025