St Mary's principal takes a sabbatical

St Mary's School principal Fiona Green

Creating greater self confidence and resilience in St Mary's School students is the purpose of a sabbatical taken by principal Fiona Green.

Fiona has been visiting St Mary's sister schools in the South Island and Australia to investigate their resilience programmes - particularly at boarding schools.

"I was interested in ensuring we were offering all opportunities to our girls as a part of our school maxim is to develop resolute women. I am hoping I can bring back some great ideas of programmes that identify student needs and make a measured change to the self confidence of girls."

All principals can apply for a Ministry of Education sabbatical after they have worked in a school for five years. Fiona applied last year and has 10 weeks of paid leave to research the topic to benefit to the school.

Fiona says a sabbatical gives a principal the opportunity to spend quality time reading, researching and talking with other schools away from day-to-day school tasks.

"It is wonderful to spend daylight hours reading and researching and meeting like-minded principals who share their ideas and experiences."

Fiona has worked in education, both in early childhood and secondary, for nearly 40 years. Nearly all of the schools have had a boarding component and most were single sex.

She says highlights of working in the education sector was seeing students grow from children into adults who find their passion and purpose and follow their experiences once they have left school.

"I love the school I am in because it is has a family atmosphere and its numbers allow us to know each student and their family personally. Our staff can work with our girls to provide unique opportunities for them to develop their potential."

Fiona says having staff that students could relate to was vital for wellbeing and developing resilience, which St Mary's School's staff did superbly.