Supporting Rangiora students to reach their potential
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
In guiding students to reach their full potential, Rangiora High School’s new associate principal likes the "gently relentless" approach.
Remihana Emery moved over from Kaiapoi High School to take on the role of associate principal at the start of this year, following the retirement of the school's first associate principal Paul Donnelly.
He said he was driven by his whakaaro — mentality and beliefs — in helping young people find their potential.
His approach has been influenced by former Kaiapoi guidance counsellor Rob Courtney, who has also made the move to Rangiora.
"Rob uses the phrase ‘gently relentless’, which means you keep chipping away and doing it in a way that is mana enhancing to everybody as much as possible.
"Sometimes it is a fear of failure holding them back, and for some adults that anxiety still exists.
"It saddens me because you know the potential those kids have. They are our biggest investment."
The role of associate principal was created in 2018 and is "very fluid", Emery said.
"It is about doing the work behind the scenes so [principal] Bruce [Kearney] can connect with the community and other schools."
Board of Trustees presiding member Simon Green said the associate principal role was created when the school looked to move on after being managed by a commissioner.
"The board and principal (at the time) realised just how complex and time-intensive school leadership had become for a large school of 1600 students."
The school roll has since grown to 1750.
Emery said his career has been "a roller coaster ride".
After leaving school he worked in construction for 15 years, but his life took a different direction after joining a church in Kaiapoi 2004.
Emery and his wife Michelle became youth group leaders and it led to him attending a meeting at Kaiapoi High School as a support person.
Courtney invited him to volunteer at the school as a mentor and later "he came to me and said ‘we need you here full time’".
Known to his students as Matua Remi (Uncle Remi), he left his job and enrolled at university at the age of 32.
Emery was a teacher at Kaiapoi High School for 10 years teaching maths and te reo.
He became a dean as a third year teacher and was then deputy principal for three years.
"I’m fortunate to have had opportunities presented to me to fast track my career."
He made his mark at Kaiapoi as the lead singer of the teachers’ band, The Viking Thunders, which won the teachers equivalent of Rockquest, and was a kapa haka tutor.
"It is an avenue to let off some steam and it is a good way to connect with the kids.
"I have already busted out a few songs at school assemblies at Rangiora and I got the students to give me a beat for ‘We will rock you’."
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
-
84.7% Yes
-
13.3% No
-
2% Other - I'll share below!
Arthrits Pain
Hello Neighbours
I'm offering 5 people who suffer with Arthritis a free 15 min treatment using my Bioptron Medical Light. Registered with Medsafe, manufactured in Switzerland, The medical solution for your health and wellbeing.
We all know the pain and struggles that come with arthritis. The stiffness, inflammation, and limited mobility can make everyday tasks feel like a burden. You may know anyone or you yourself may be suffering from this chronic condition.
According to Arthritis New Zealand, about 670,000 kiwis over the age of 15 have at least one type of arthritis, which is 17% of the population. This number increases with age, with more than 45% of people over the age of 65 having some form of arthritis.
Arthritis is so common that it likely affects someone in nearly every household. Luckily, Bioptron Light Therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for arthritis. It is one of the certified medical indications of this revolutionary technology.
By stimulating blood circulation, reducing inflammation and relieving muscle spasms, Bioptron Light Therapy can provide much-needed relief from arthritis symptoms. The recommended treatment time is just 4–10 minutes for pain treatment at a distance of 10 cm.
Imagine being able to enjoy daily activities without constant joint pain. With just ten minutes a day, Bioptron Light Therapy can help you, your loved ones, and your clients regain their freedom and quality of life. It's a non-invasive, drug-free option for managing arthritis that can be used in the comfort of their own home.
You don't have to let arthritis control your life. Take back control and live a brighter, pain-free future with Bioptron Light Therapy.
Room to Heal Rangiora
Email: raeimmersioncosmetics@gmail.com
www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz...
Celebrating Our Resident Authors On World Book Day
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.
They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!
Click read more for the full story.
Loading…
