Media statement from the Secondary Principals’ Council
Secondary schools will be pleased to hear the Government is prioritising learning support for students with additional
needs, says Kate Gainsford, Chair of the Secondary Principals’ Council.
“We are seeing increasing numbers of students with additional needs in our secondary schools. There is an urgent need
for more effective interventions to enable these ākonga to make the most of the educational opportunities available.
“We look forward to receiving more details of what the Minister has in mind.”
Kate Gainsford says principals also looked forward to learning more about the Government’s priorities for teacher
training, including leadership development pathways. While this is promising for the future, the ‘fundamental changes’
needed, include a workforce for the present.
“Secondary teaching needs to be a first choice career that rewards people well, is properly resourced and has clear and
dynamic pathways, particularly around leadership development.
“Leading a school is an extremely satisfying role, it comes with an amazing amount of responsibility – for ensuring
rangatahi achieve their full potential and that kaiako are supported and enabled to bring their best selves to the
classroom every day.
“Clear pathways to nurture and develop school leaders are greatly needed – and we look forward to hearing more about
this and having a constructive engagement with the Minister.”