PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS TO SCHOOL ASSEMBLY – FEBRUARY 27, 2018
I want to spend some time discussing Leadership with you.
A wise man once told me that Leadership is the ability to influence the behaviours, actions and beliefs of people. If I asked you to reflect on what leadership looks like for you, I am sure that would invoke many different responses, as would the people you would inevitably think about should I ask you for examples of effective leaders. What I would suggest however is that all of these people who you might identify as effective leaders, whether they be – Oprah, Sir Richie, Obama or your mother – I would contend they would all have at least one thing in common – Influence.
I want to share a story of leadership and influence. I am going to share a report with you that was tabled to the Board of Trustees last year. This report is the outcome of the work a group of current Year 13 students – a group of students that began working toward an NCEA assessment about Policy change and have ended up with so much more, they’ve used their influence, positively to bring about social change.
The report read: “Particularly over the past year, it has become increasingly evident that students at Aquinas College aren’t happy with some elements of the current uniform expectations, namely those surrounding the issue of gender. It is a reoccurring issue and a significant point of discussion for all students”.
This information was delivered to school management and then later, as I’ve already referenced, the Board of Trustees. As the College was in the process of appointing a new Principal, it was decided to park the matter until further consultation with the appointed person.
As part of the students work, they undertook a survey to all students, staff and parents and later a petition for students to support the recommendations of their survey and I want to share their findings with you.
Summary of Survey Findings:
Students:
· The survey was given to a portion of each year group at Aquinas College with a total of 237 respondents.
· Students were asked to rank the importance of a number of questions. A scale out of 5 was used (1 not important at all, 5 extremely important).
· Females having the option to wear shorts or pants; the average rating was 3.71.
· Females having the option to wear a jersey rather than a cardigan; the average rating was 4.1
· Males having the option to tie long hair styles up; the average rating was 3.87
Teachers:
• There were 31 teaching staff and members of Senior Management that completed the survey.
• 61% of the respondents believe there should be changes to the current uniform.
• 51% of teachers who responded said they approached a student regarding a uniform issue at least once a day and a further 35% said they approached a student regarding a uniform issue 2-3 times a week.
• 52% said that these interactions impacted on them and their relationships with students ‘somewhat to a lot’.
Parents:
• This survey was sent out to all Aquinas families through the school newsletter. There were 107 responses.
• 61% of the respondents believe there should be changes to the current uniform.
• Females having the option to wear shorts or pants; the average rating was 3.33.
• Females having the option to wear a jersey rather than a cardigan; The average rating was 3.6.
• Males having the option to tie long hair styles up; The average rating was 3.07.
List of proposed changes:
· Females to be given the option of wearing pants in winter and the option of shorts/skorts in summer.
· Males to be allowed to tie up their long hair, just as females do.
· Females to have the option to wear the current boys Aquinas College jerseys.
I can advise that at a Governance level, management level and Faculty level, we have discussed this proposal as well as other feedback we have received from students and the community and have agreed to a number of changes:
New Uniform Guidelines
• Hairstyle – Hair must be neatly presented, off the face, a natural colour, tidy and tied back when longer than the collar. Extreme hairstyles are not permitted – all haircuts and colour are at the Principal’s discretion.
• Jewellery – A wrist watch, and one plain stud or sleeper in each ear are permitted. No other piercings allowed.
• Cultural / Religious Taonga – Taonga that carries cultural and/or religious significance are permitted and can be worn proudly.
• Makeup – Natural makeup for basic skin coverage is permitted only. No other makeup, including nail polish is allowed.
• Facial Hair – Facial hair is not permitted.
• Tattoos – Tattoos (except those that have cultural and/or religious significance) that would be visible when the summer or winter uniform is worn, are not permitted.
I can also advise that Girls are permitted to wear the jumper instead of the cardigan, should you choose to. With respect to the ability for Girls to wear shorts, trousers and Skorts. Please know that this is under consideration, but also understand that we cannot make such unilateral decisions without appropriate consultation and planning with our uniform supplier.
As I look to conclude this message, I want to revisit the key ideas
1. As a student body, you have spoken, considerately and I respect that. As a result, we have made changes.
2. I now need you to reflect on the feedback from staff as we have from you. 51% of our teachers reported that they needed to approach a student every day and more than a third reported repetitive approaches. That tells me that there is work to be done on your part in how you are wearing your uniform with pride.
3. Furthermore, more than half reported that these interactions impacted on them and their relationships with students ‘somewhat to a lot’. I want our energy spent on building our expectations for learning, not wasted on needing to police you on meeting our expectations. I need you to have pride in you appearance as this represents the pride you have in the College.
4. Our uniform, worn with pride will develop a sense of belonging and demonstrates our pride in our College. I wear a long shirt and tie every day with pride. I do this because I want to demonstrate my commitment to the College and the standards I am setting for it.
5. Know that we have listened to your feedback and have made changes. But also know that I will hold you to the highest expectations for your appearance relative to these guidelines. Remember, this is a partnership. I hope you can see our commitment to that partnership in these changes. It is now on you to reciprocate.
6. There will be times where you might not have the correct uniform. You need to ensure you follow the guidelines to avoid sanction.
Aquinas College Mass
We have our first College Mass at St. Mary Immaculate this Sunday at 10:30 am. This Mass is an opportunity for us to celebrate together the very essence of what our College is about. There is an expectation that you and your families are present. You each made a commitment to attending these special Masses as part of your enrolment.
Mr. Dalton
Principal.
