Whangarei Boys' High

Headmaster's Personal Statement 2013

My philosophy in education is straightforward. I am a traditional teacher who stands no nonsense - in the classroom or out of it. I firmly believe in the highest standards of academic achievement and discipline and expect no less from my teaching colleagues. I believe all boys should have the right to expect the best from their teachers and that they should be stretched in all facets of school life. I try to do my utmost to maintain the many good things done by Whangarei Boys’ High School and pick up and develop those elements that the School, Community, Old Boys and Board of Trustees see necessary.

I am a realist.

I have high personal expectations, high expectations of staff and high expectations of the boys. These expectations lead to the development of fine young men who have pride not only in themselves, but also their school. I believe it is crucial the school serves all boys and not just a particular section. I endorse and fully support the Gifted and Talented Programme (for high achieving boys); the Mentoring Programme (involving Prefects and Year 9 boys and since 2008, Student Leaders with WIS Yr 8 boys); the Literacy, Numeracy and ICT initiatives, along with the sound Remedial Programmes for the underachievers and the programmes supporting improving Maori achievement – including Whanau Conferencing (started in 2012) and 3 Way Conferencing (starting in 2013). In 2013 we are also introducing a new Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Support programme for year 9 boys who need extra support

I encourage boys of Whangarei Boys’ High School to be involved in sports at all levels. I am committed to boys being involved in all facets of physical activity and, where necessary, developing new avenues to allow this to occur.

I believe I represent balance and will do all I can to help stimulate variety. I do not stand for a school that accepts excellence in sport only. I enjoy Cultural Performance and participation in the Performing Arts and look forward to helping stimulate further growth in these areas (e.g. whole school Haka (2008), Carruth Choir, Blackjackets Choir, Mass Singing, Stage Challenge, Kapa Haka, Talent Quest, Inter-whanau Singing, Inter-whanau Haka (2010)) etc. I also expect all staff to have a hands-on commitment to the co-curricular life of the school.

I have very strong, positive views on boarding (if it is done right) and I will do all I can to ensure the Hostel remains full (with as many teaching staff as possible involved as duty staff) and stays a (positive) dominant force within the school. Our facilities continue to improve - with both the junior and senior boarders’ lounges being significantly upgraded in 2012, as well as other important property work being completed.

I am firmly of the opinion that the Old Boys are an integral part of the school and (at present) are still underutilised. The appointment of Greg Weaver and the raising of the profile of Old Boys' Day, Golf Tournament, Testimonial Dinners, The Fideliter Fellowship and the formation of the Endowment Fund (2011) etc indicate we are doing things right. I am also very proud of the history of this school and am very pleased to see the WBHS photographic records (1^st XI Cricket, 1^st XV and Prefects) being updated annually, along with the stairway photos of our Leaders, Captains and Champions. The 125^th Jubilee celebrated over Queen’s Birthday Weekend in 2006 was a very special occasion, and it is wonderful that we continue to strongly build on the goodwill generated at that time.

I have a strong affinity with Maori, Polynesian and Asian boys and was instrumental (in previous schools) in organising highly successful annual International Cultural Festivals. I have also been active in promoting and marketing the school (both nationally and internationally) and have positive views on the many benefits resulting from such activities. These activities (have, and) will continue while I am Headmaster, and are exemplified and promoted on our high quality website www.wbhs.school.nz.

I believe a school with the reputation of Whangarei Boys’ High School deserves to continue the tradition of having a strong Headmaster who believes in standards. I have already indicated my views on Academic, Cultural and Sporting standards, but feel for a good school to be a great school the personal standards (of both staff and students) must be of the highest order. I am a “shirts in, socks up” teacher and believe in the good presentation of boys around the school and in public, as well as excellent presentation of the school, its’ grounds and facilities. I will fully endorse a wholehearted staff effort to maintain these current high standards (e.g. The Boys’ Highway of doing things and the Loraine Monroe Doctrine) and am open to new initiatives (e.g. revised Detention System, Restorative Justice) to help to continue improve boy’s behaviour.

I am a strong believer in boys’ education and, as such, involved the school in the “Good Man Project”, as well as a research project dealing with boy motivation. It is my considered view that Dads have a very big part to play in the education of their sons and we will continue to make a big push in this area, building on what we have done over the last 5 years (e.g. Literacy nights, car rallies, breakfasts, fishing weekends, kart races etc). I also strongly encourage boys to read and enjoy the weekly word of the week, along with thebook review slot in assemblies, Blokes can Read posters, as well as strongly endorsing the Lexia, Toe by Toe and Merit Software literacy programmes.

My paramount goal (with all of your help) during my tenure as Headmaster, is to make Whangarei Boys’ High School the best school in the North and, as a result, the school of choice that boys want to come to from not only Northland, but further afield.

This is brief and, inevitably, some things will have been left out - if any of you wish to discuss this with me, or would like me to elaborate on any part - please see me.

Al Kirk

HEADMASTER

January 2013