Fordell principal Andrew Osmond looks as though he has stepped straight out of a BBC television drama.
He has the look of an English public school chap, is well spoken and charming.
And his passion and commitment to Fordell, his new school (he took over this year), is infectious and
exciting.
The fact that he even got to select all his staff makes for absolutely pure undisguised delight.
This year Fordell School started with a completely new slate. It was a wonderful challenge and he is more than thrilled with his three staff drawn from more than 30 applicants, he says. ``I have definitely chosen the right people. We all have different strengths, which is what I was looking for.''
In a letter to the Fordell community when he was first appointed as new principal in September last year, he said rural schools were the backbone of the New Zealand education system.
``Children who are lucky enough to attend such a school have an advantage over children who go to larger schools in towns ... there is research that backs this up.''
Mr Osmond believes that students who have a rural/country school education are better prepared for the demands life throws at them at secondary school and later in life.
Fordell School is a school with a strong community spirit, he said. ``... School and culture are the heart of any strong and progressive school.''
Physical fitness is also the order of each day with a mandatory 15-minute exercise regime for the entire school.
``It's a great way to start the day and a very good habit to get into. I hope the children carry it with them throughout their lives.''
Daily exercise helps clear the mind and sharpen the brain for learning, he said.
Mr Osmond has also introduced the power of good speech with his students assessed by the NZ Speech Board.
``Good speech will take them a long way in this world. Good speech is a valuable life skill.''
His personal delight in his school is felt by everyone. In one classroom a small boy leapt to his feet the minute the door opened and Mr Osmond walked in. ``Mr Osmond, Mr Osmond look what I've done,'' he yelled, showing his book with his latest writing efforts.
``That's fantastic, it really is ... well done, good boy.''
The little boy returned to his seat grinning from ear-to-ear. I was told later that same little boy had had a ``few issues'' when he started school. But it was very carefully pointed out that that kind of behaviour wasn't accepted at Fordell School.
And after sitting outside the principal's office at a special desk for two days he literally changed overnight. ``It was dramatic _ he changed overnight and has been wonderful ever since.''
School assemblies held in an old classroom have become a special event at the school with 34 keen children celebrating their school every week. One teacher said it was very emotional because the children were so pleased to be there, they sang their hearts out and it was always a very happy, smiling atmosphere.
The quality of learning in the school was dependent on happy children, Mr Osmond said.
With the school being the hub of a small community it was integral to have happy parents as well, he said
``We're so fortunate because we know all the parents and they are really involved with the school.''
Having small classes was a boon to quality learning, he said. ``Because we're not bursting at the seams.''
Sport takes pride of place as well and includes rippa rugby, hockey, soccer and basketball with an outdoor space which would be the envy of most city schools. There's even a sports pavilion set up with a kitchen, changing rooms and toilets. ``We had a marvellous rippa rugby tournament here recently, everyone had a great time,'' Mr Osmond said.
Being adventurous is encouraged at Fordell where there are thickets of great climbing trees to explore and the children do ... with alacrity. ``Of course we don't want accidents but then children need to take some risks.''
Though uppermost for his students is a strong academic education, Mr Osmond says. ``I am committed to improving outcomes for all learners. A good school starts with good teaching. I am a strong advocate of the foundation skills of learning, reading , writing and numeracy. I believe these must be firmly established for students with authentic learning learning experiences where they are encouraged to ask questions, challenge their beliefs, investigate and gather information.''
At Fordell a sense of pride and belonging is fostered daily for every child, teacher, parent and friend within the school community, he said.
And the community stretches from Fordell to Marton, 20 minutes away. ``And we don't have a school bus so it's a real commitment for these parents to bring their children here,'' Mr Osmond said.
A good quality school doesn't necessarily need to be a private school, he said. ``So many state schools are so great these days. Things have changed. Quality education is a prerequisite. ``
Mr Osmond said, having taught in both sectors, he believes that it's all about a strong community spirit within the school. In term two, the Fordell kids enjoyed trips to the Sarjeant Gallery, National Young Leaders Day in Wellington, a technology challenge and a school trip to South Beach. As well as marvellous activities including ukulele, dance, science and rippa rugby tournaments.
``You know,'' he said, ``we're all to enjoy the journey and head in the right direction. ``It's exciting because we all started together this year and going really well ... it's a great wee school with fabulous kids,'' Mr Osmond smiled.-->-->-->
Fordell School Budge Street RD2, Fordell. Staff: Four and two support staff. Pupils: 34. Decile: 6. Principal: Andrew Osmond. Mission Statement: Providing a quality education that develops confident children.