From humble beginnings...
From Humble beginnings...
Who am I…?
I was born many thousands of miles from my current home in New Zealand, growing up in North West London. Coming from such a different background, I truly value the opportunities and scenery New Zealand has to offer. Having spent five years working as a trained chef in a variety of commercial, industrial and restaurant kitchens, I finally chose to follow my passion into teaching. The lessons from the kitchen will never be left behind, the intensity and camaraderie that made the days fly past are very similar to the modern classroom. Achieving a 1st Class Honours degree from Middlesex University, I began teaching in North London, where I spent the first five years of my career. Feeling confined by the structure of the British Education system and lack of creativity I went in search of more... And so I found New Zealand.
I have lived in New Zealand for six and a half years with my wife Julia. We have a three and a half year old son called Jack. We moved from London to escape the hectic and often frantic lifestyle, and to find a better work-life balance before starting a family. Three years later our baby boy was born and he continues to be a driving force behind my desire to progress. I’ve always been passionate about education, ICT and literacy (with a particular focus on writing) and continually develop my skills through professional learning and wider reading.
As a leader I underpin much of what I do through my use of the four principles of the FiSH philosphy-
Be There: When people need you, they need all of you. Setting aside distractions and judgments to be fully present is a sign of respect. It improves communication and strengthens relationships.
Play: You can be serious about your work without taking yourself so seriously. Play is a mindset more than a specific activity. It allows you to throw yourself with enthusiasm and creativity into whatever you are doing, in a way that is natural, not forced. "Playing” with ideas helps you find solutions to everyday challenges.
Make Their Day: Simple gestures of thoughtfulness, thanks and recognition make people feel appreciated and valued. When you make someone else feel good, you feel good too.
Choose Your Attitude: To actually choose how you respond to life, not just react, you must be intentional. When you get up, decide who you want to "be" today. Moment-to-moment awareness is key. Ask yourself throughout the day, "What is my attitude right now? Is it helping the people who depend on me? Is it helping me to be most effective?" (Charthouse.com 2014)
Building unity within a team, showing emotional investment and always making sure that my colleagues know I’m ‘there’ when needed are the bases of my leadership and practice within my classroom.
Who am I…?
I was born many thousands of miles from my current home in New Zealand, growing up in North West London. Coming from such a different background, I truly value the opportunities and scenery New Zealand has to offer. Having spent five years working as a trained chef in a variety of commercial, industrial and restaurant kitchens, I finally chose to follow my passion into teaching. The lessons from the kitchen will never be left behind, the intensity and camaraderie that made the days fly past are very similar to the modern classroom. Achieving a 1st Class Honours degree from Middlesex University, I began teaching in North London, where I spent the first five years of my career. Feeling confined by the structure of the British Education system and lack of creativity I went in search of more... And so I found New Zealand.
I have lived in New Zealand for six and a half years with my wife Julia. We have a three and a half year old son called Jack. We moved from London to escape the hectic and often frantic lifestyle, and to find a better work-life balance before starting a family. Three years later our baby boy was born and he continues to be a driving force behind my desire to progress. I’ve always been passionate about education, ICT and literacy (with a particular focus on writing) and continually develop my skills through professional learning and wider reading.
As a leader I underpin much of what I do through my use of the four principles of the FiSH philosphy-
Be There: When people need you, they need all of you. Setting aside distractions and judgments to be fully present is a sign of respect. It improves communication and strengthens relationships.
Play: You can be serious about your work without taking yourself so seriously. Play is a mindset more than a specific activity. It allows you to throw yourself with enthusiasm and creativity into whatever you are doing, in a way that is natural, not forced. "Playing” with ideas helps you find solutions to everyday challenges.
Make Their Day: Simple gestures of thoughtfulness, thanks and recognition make people feel appreciated and valued. When you make someone else feel good, you feel good too.
Choose Your Attitude: To actually choose how you respond to life, not just react, you must be intentional. When you get up, decide who you want to "be" today. Moment-to-moment awareness is key. Ask yourself throughout the day, "What is my attitude right now? Is it helping the people who depend on me? Is it helping me to be most effective?" (Charthouse.com 2014)
Building unity within a team, showing emotional investment and always making sure that my colleagues know I’m ‘there’ when needed are the bases of my leadership and practice within my classroom.