Tēnā koutou e te whānau

By now you will have heard our Principal Shelley Blakey is leaving us. In her time as Principal Shelley has had a significant impact on our kura. Her vision and strategic thinking have led the school to be where it is today . She has brought cohesiveness and unity to our kura. KopuKairoa is now flourishing with 5 reorua classrooms, Montessorri at Arataki has been established in our kura and continues to grow. Also in her time with us we have new classrooms, new playgrounds, an orchard, chickens … plus much more.

She led our school through the uncertainty of Covid in an exemplary manner, always striving to ensure we were all well informed, safe and supported.

Shelley’s care and compassion for our tamariki and community has driven all her decisions and she leaves the school thriving. Shelley will be sorely missed.

While her last day is today we will be inviting Shelley back to a special farewell community assembly during the term. We will keep you informed of the date and time once it is confirmed.

Ngā mihi,

Shelley Craig

A Farewell Message

E rere ana ngā mihi aroha kia koutou, ngā whānau o te kura o Arataki.

I wanted to follow up with my own personal message.

The decision to step away from Arataki School was an extremely difficult one. I started here as Deputy Principal in 2014 and immediately felt a strong connection to the school and the Arataki community. I consider being appointed Principal in 2015 a huge privilege and will always be defining part of my life.

My reason for leaving is a simple one, I love this school and all I have ever wanted is the best for our tamariki, our staff, our whānau and community. While the job of Principal is extremely rewarding it is also all encompassing and after nine years the time has come for someone with fresh eyes and a fresh passion to take Arataki School to the next level.

For me personally it’s time to take a breath and focus on my family. I am moving into a position in the private sector that will allow me the time to do this. You will still me around because of course I have moko that attend Arataki School.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who came through my door or flicked me through an email to let me know what is going well and what is not going so well. Thank you for working with my team and myself to continually improve Arataki School.

Thank you for being an amazing community!

Ngā mihi

Shelley Blakey