Principal springs into new regional role

For three decades, Gaylene Beattie has welcomed students to Springlands School, watching them grow, in stature, knowledge and as people.

As Principal of Springlands School for the past 15 years, Gaylene is now preparing to pass the leadership mantle to someone else as she gets set to step down at the end of the term.

The popular principal is taking on a new role, stepping into the Ministry of Education to create a collaborative education system for Marlborough.

Having started out as a new entrant teacher, Gaylene has taught across all levels of the primary school, with many of her years focusing on the teaching of students with special needs. Having helped build strong foundations at the school she was once a pupil at, she knows she has many achievements to be proud of.

“There have been so many special moments – seeing the school’s development over the many years, the valuing of students’ cultural identity, developing culturally responsive practices in the school, and many innovative curriculum practices that have made the school what it is today.

“The comments from children and the smiles you put on their faces are the most worthwhile memories of all.”

Her new role as Integrated Services Manager in Marlborough came about by chance, she says.

In her co-leadership role of Piritahi Kahui Ako (the Marlborough Community of Schools) Gaylene found it so satisfying helping the development of other teachers, schools and networks that she jumped at the new opportunity when it arose.

In her new role, Gaylene aims to bring together lessons from thirty years of students, colleagues, collaborations and the Springlands community, she says.

“I have a lot to learn, especially moving into a newly created role for the region, but I have a lot of passion to develop my idea of a collaborative, positive education system for Marlborough’s students because they’re worth it.”

Drawing on her experiences as a teacher, principal and co-leading Piritahi Kahui Ako, Gaylene now has an overall goal of improving education region wide.

“Each new year of students brings their own personalities and quirks, but kids are always kids and communication and community are always going to be important in education”, says Gaylene.

“Teaching has never been easy but it’s increasingly more complex now with technology and the implications around that, and education now has more individualised and inclusive approaches that have  significant improvement outcomes for kids”.

“We are lucky to have amazing schools and teachers in Marlborough and I’m very glad to be leaving Springlands in a great place – having been a student, teacher and principal here I’ll always have a soft spot!”

The Springlands School Board, both current and past, would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Gaylene for her exceptional leadership during her time as tumuaki/principal.

Presiding member Dallas Mead notes “Gaylene's dedication and hard work has ensured our school has high levels of achievement, inclusion, and learning, and is seen as a school of choice in our region.

“We wish her well in her upcoming endeavours."

The school is currently advertising for a new principal with applications closing on 11 September.

Springlands School are also holding a farewell assembly to celebrate Gaylene on Thursday the 21st of September commencing at 1.30pm. If you would like to attend please RSVP to [email protected].