Tumuaki / Principal - Toni Burnside
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I am proud and humbled to be Principal at Pareawa Banks Avenue School.
In July 2022, after many years of planning and much frustration, we moved into our amazing new learning environment in Shirley. Our new school has been built to allow teachers to work collaboratively while still giving students the close relationships with staff and peers they need to flourish.
Our buildings wrap around our students allowing all students to mix and mingle in a stimulating and safe space. We have fabulous new playgrounds and plans to add a cycle track and an all weather cricket turf. We also have full access though the Avon Hub, a large gymnasium that sits on our school grounds.
Family and community are important to us, we see the school as pivotal in connecting the community. For the first time in ten years we have a school hall. We are really excited about the opportunities a hall will bring; we are already planning a school production for 2023! We also have a whānau room, a place where parents can call in and mix and mingle with other parents before school.
Our Tamariki sit at the centre of all we do. The majority of our students achieve well and love all of the extra opportunities we offer; Kapa haka, Choir, Pasifika, Garden Club, Java Code Club, Basketball and Netball teams etc. however we also have a number of children with anxiety and related issues. At school this can lead to children lacking confidence and being withdrawn and shy or on the other hand children who display emotional irregularities who can not settle to tasks or form relationships with others. We have a Learning Support Coordinator who works with these children and supports families. We also have two counsellors who are funded by a local church; they also provide support for our most vulnerable students.
At Pareawa Banks Avenue School we want all of our children to have high expectations of themselves as learners, to feel confident about their capacity to learn, to set goals for their learning and to construct enjoyable, challenging learning pathways to their futures.
On a personal note, when I am not at school working I enjoy being around the home; in particular in the garden. I have two beautiful daughters and a new grandson; family are my most important priority. I am a travel addict; happy and excited to have a weekend in Hanmer or to be a bit more adventurous and go further afield. My most interesting holiday was doing volunteer medical relief in India although I far prefer a pool and a lot of sun when on holiday!
Previously I was principal at Central New Brighton School and Greta Valley School.
As a teacher and leader I am passionate about education and in supporting the development of learning environments where children will be engaged, motivated and achieving their full potential across the curriculum. At the centre of all we do at Pareawa Banks Avenue School are our children. Our school HEART values (hauora, excellence, aroha, respect and togetherness) underpin our positive school culture.
Our Board of Trustees, our staff and myself are very excited about the journey we are on and we look forward to working with you all to achieve great things for our children!
Kia mahi tahi tatou katoa mo te painga o a tatou tamariki
Let us work together for the good of our children
Nga mihi nui
Toni
In July 2022, after many years of planning and much frustration, we moved into our amazing new learning environment in Shirley. Our new school has been built to allow teachers to work collaboratively while still giving students the close relationships with staff and peers they need to flourish.
Our buildings wrap around our students allowing all students to mix and mingle in a stimulating and safe space. We have fabulous new playgrounds and plans to add a cycle track and an all weather cricket turf. We also have full access though the Avon Hub, a large gymnasium that sits on our school grounds.
Family and community are important to us, we see the school as pivotal in connecting the community. For the first time in ten years we have a school hall. We are really excited about the opportunities a hall will bring; we are already planning a school production for 2023! We also have a whānau room, a place where parents can call in and mix and mingle with other parents before school.
Our Tamariki sit at the centre of all we do. The majority of our students achieve well and love all of the extra opportunities we offer; Kapa haka, Choir, Pasifika, Garden Club, Java Code Club, Basketball and Netball teams etc. however we also have a number of children with anxiety and related issues. At school this can lead to children lacking confidence and being withdrawn and shy or on the other hand children who display emotional irregularities who can not settle to tasks or form relationships with others. We have a Learning Support Coordinator who works with these children and supports families. We also have two counsellors who are funded by a local church; they also provide support for our most vulnerable students.
At Pareawa Banks Avenue School we want all of our children to have high expectations of themselves as learners, to feel confident about their capacity to learn, to set goals for their learning and to construct enjoyable, challenging learning pathways to their futures.
On a personal note, when I am not at school working I enjoy being around the home; in particular in the garden. I have two beautiful daughters and a new grandson; family are my most important priority. I am a travel addict; happy and excited to have a weekend in Hanmer or to be a bit more adventurous and go further afield. My most interesting holiday was doing volunteer medical relief in India although I far prefer a pool and a lot of sun when on holiday!
Previously I was principal at Central New Brighton School and Greta Valley School.
As a teacher and leader I am passionate about education and in supporting the development of learning environments where children will be engaged, motivated and achieving their full potential across the curriculum. At the centre of all we do at Pareawa Banks Avenue School are our children. Our school HEART values (hauora, excellence, aroha, respect and togetherness) underpin our positive school culture.
Our Board of Trustees, our staff and myself are very excited about the journey we are on and we look forward to working with you all to achieve great things for our children!
Kia mahi tahi tatou katoa mo te painga o a tatou tamariki
Let us work together for the good of our children
Nga mihi nui
Toni
