Reflections on 2023
2022 has been a positive and productive year at Mount Maunganui Intermediate. As I reflect on the year, it is clear that we have achieved a lot in a year filled with ongoing challenges in a COVID world and the
associated challenges with attendance, anxiety and an ever-changing landscape.
We have had a large number of pivotal staffing changes and I have to say that all of the new staff have made amazing contributions to the school as a whole. Of note, is our fantastic new(ish) office team. Leonie, Mel and Karen are a phenomenal team who have not only picked up and run with the many systems and structures in the office quickly and efficiently, but have also adapted, changed and developed systems to make the office run even better than before. I am hugely grateful for their can-do attitude, their professionalism and the welcoming, warm and professional service that greets visitors to our school.
2022 also saw a relatively new SLT around the leadership table. Again, I feel privileged to work
with such a hardworking, dedicated, innovative and passionate group of leaders. At all times, I
feel supported in my role and very appreciative at the high levels of relational trust amongst us. I
admire the work ethic and work output of Debbie, Shem and Renee and am grateful to feel
absolutely confident in their decision making as deputy principals. I also appreciate their sense
of fun – the banter and the laughs we enjoy daily and how kids are always the lens that we
challenge each other to look through when making the tough calls. Our SLT are highly skilled and
knowledgeable professionals and our school is very fortunate to have all of them leading the way.
I am proud of the many things we have achieved in 2022.
• We have a new vision, motto and values that has been constructed by all stakeholders and
that reflects who we are and what is important to us.
• We have a new strategic plan that will guide our direction and development over the next
three years. The strategic plan is cohesive, fit for purpose, relevant and has students and
staff at the centre.
• Our attendance rates have steadily improved and are better than most other primary and
intermediate schools in our region.
• We have two new classrooms and six more to come in the next year. Our BOT approved
the building of a shade cover on our turf and this should be completed in 2023.
• We refurbished the staffroom, giving our valuable staff a fit-for-purpose place to meet and
relax in.
• We held the inaugural cultural camps here in Tauranga Moana which were really
successful and well received by the students.
• We held the first school production at MMI in many years. This will become a regular
feature in the future as we grow opportunities for our students in the Arts.
• We have planned an innovative programme for extension and enrichment that will cater
for a broad range of students next year.
• Our international students programme is being rebuilt and revamped with promising
numbers of students starting the year in 2023.
• Our staff continue to be leaders in our Kahui Ako, with our school being the only school
with more than one Across School Leader roles (MMI has three).
• The hauora and mental health of our students continues to be a focus for us. Harriet and
Tania do an excellent job in liaising with the many resources and agencies that support our
students. The support services we provide are robust and successful.
• The Youth Lives Matter organisation donated nearly $90,000 to us after a phenomenal
and very humbling fundraising effort. As a result, we can pay for a councillor for two years
and can also employ MMIs first official Youth Mentor (full time) in 2023.
• Financially the school is sound, with this year’s surplus contributing to a positive financial
position moving forward.
• We have a great new Board.
• We have established PLGs with the other intermediate deputy principals and this group
meets twice per term to share practice, ideas, challenges and celebrations. This network is
affirming for us as well as being a great source of support and new ideas.
• We have automated our class placement procedures through a new programme called
Pluto.
There are many other celebrations, some of which I have forgotten. I am incredibly proud to be
leading such a fantastic school. I absolutely love my job – and this is mainly because of the team
of people I am privileged to lead and the cool kids that come to our school every day to inspire us
all to be the best versions of ourselves as educators.
Finally – thank you to our phenomenal teaching and support staff team. Students at MMI are
taught and supported by the most amazing group of professionals. I thank you all for your
dedication, hard work, professionalism, talent and for your commitment to the kids we all come
to work for.
Merry Christmas to all our MMI whānau. Thank you for your ongoing support of our kura. I hope your holidays are filled with family time and that the summer of 2022-2023 creates lots of
new and fun memories with family and friends.
Ngā mihi nui
Whaea Melissa
