7 minute read
Junior School – Farewelling Amy Thompson and Sue Brewin
Farewelling
Junior School leaders
SUE BREWIN, HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Sue Brewin, Head of the Junior School at Diocesan School for Girls, has worked tirelessly since November 2008 to create an outstanding early learning and primary education for girls. It is therefore an honour to announce Sue’s retirement at the end of this school year, December 2022. While we will be sorry to see her leave us, it is with great appreciation that we acknowledge Sue’s brilliant achievements.
Sue came to Diocesan already recognised as a first-class educator and leader. She had been principal at two previous state schools. Sue set about reviewing the Junior School and expanded the offering with additional classes and a comprehensive after-school programme. She also established parent representatives at each year level to enhance the communication between teachers, students and the School, bringing strength to educational initiatives and a holistic approach to learning.
During Sue’s time at Diocesan, the Junior School implemented the world-renowned PYP – the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. With a focus on developing the learner profile, this work encouraged students to participate fully in their learning through global contexts and inquiry. This has prepared students extremely well for the Senior School. Sue actively built a framework for transitioning students at key stages and for establishing the Junior School CEL programme – the Centre for the Enhancement of Learning that provides learning extension and support for individual student needs.
Sue has also substantially grown the leadership and delivery of extra-curricular programmes including specialist coaching and a greater range of sport options. The range of musical and performance options has also continued to grow with many new additions to the school orchestra and choirs coming from the Junior School.
Sue has always ensured that the Junior School was well represented in terms of resources and campus development. Sue established the Foundation Classes – our Early Learning Centre that is now fully licensed. She was pivotal in establishing the new Junior School play area and turf, along with new classrooms to support an expanding roll.
Throughout her 14 years at Diocesan, we have been delighted to work with Sue. She is kind, collaborative, empathetic and firm in her views – the consummate professional. Sue’s leadership style reflects her desire to care about and bring out the best in others through coaching, mentoring, and listening to all opinions. She advocates for her staff and empowers them to do great work, provides opportunities, and shares in their successes. Sue is naturally inclusive and builds strong connections with and between the Junior School staff to ensure a positive and inclusive school culture is evident.
As Sue leaves, this whakatauki seems to reflect the shadow of professionalism she will leave with us: E huri to ¯ aroaro ki te ra¯, tukuna to¯ ataarangi ki muri i a koe – Turn and face the sun and let your shadow fall behind you.
We thank Sue for her outstanding achievements and wish her all the very best in spending more time with her family and husband Kris.
AMY THOMPSON
Amy Thompson has been the Deputy Principal in the Junior School since beginning in January 2009. After almost 13 years, she left Diocesan in September to continue her leadership journey with Meadowbank School.
During her time Amy had responsibility for the Junior School curriculum. On her arrival in 2009, Diocesan was beginning the journey of authorisation for the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate. Amy oversaw the implementation and development of the PYP with authorisation being awarded in 2011 and subsequent successful evaluation visits thereafter.
Throughout her time in the Junior School, Amy also supported the diverse needs of our learners through learning support programmes and Copernicus (extension) opportunities. She worked with families and students to develop programmes of support for neurodiverse learners to achieve their full potential. Amy enjoyed working weekly with groups of children, offering maths problem solving extension and philosophy groups. Since the inception of the extensive After-School Activities Programme, Amy managed the providers and the administration of the programme, growing it to over 200 enrolments per term and more than 15 classes offered after school across the week.
During her time at Dio, Amy continued with her study and completed her Masters in Educational Leadership, graduating in March 2022.
She has been a great leader in the Junior School and always added a sparkle to all that she did. Incredibly talented, Amy went about her school day with confidence and always with a calm manner – nothing was ever too much trouble.
Amy will be greatly missed by students, the Junior School parent community and the staff. We wish her well on her educational journey, as one of three deputy principals at Meadowbank School.
Sue Brewin, Head of Junior School
humphreyslandscaping.co.nz 09 815 4250
The Little Mermaid
YEAR 5 PRODUCTION
Wow girls, what a show! With only 10 weeks of intense rehearsing, you rose to the challenge to take your audiences on a magical journey under the sea with your production of The Little Mermaid Jr.
I love the way you captured both the good and evil characters of Hans Christian Andersen’s popular tale and retold the story of the beautiful young mermaid Ariel who longs to leave her ocean home. Working with you on the fabulous toe-tapping songs from the show, like Under the Sea, She’s in Love and Part of your World, was such a highlight for me, and I know how much the audiences loved singing along with you!
A big thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into the rehearsals each week. It was such a big task presenting this show in Term 3 and you never faltered once. I hope you will treasure the experience and memories of performing in Little Mermaid Jr on the Dio stage for years to come!
Congratulations girls for producing a truly magical undersea world!
ARTS
String orchestra
EXTRAVAGANZA
The highlight of the 2022 Junior School performing arts calendar was the Arts Extravaganza, held for the very first time in the Dio Arts Centre.
Bella Voce choir
Kapa Haka
Our Junior School girls had a ball showcasing their talents in a variety of performances. The 90-minute spectacle, hosted by our three fabulous Year 6 presenters, Aly, Andee and Ella, featured performances from all our Junior School music and dance groups as well as items that showcased the girls’ weekly learning in performing arts lessons. Congratulations girls for a highly entertaining afternoon of performance. It was so lovely to see you shining like bright stars on stage! A big thank you to all the conductors, itinerant teachers and accompanists who were involved and helped make the Arts Extravaganza such an impressive and memorable afternoon.
Mehernaz Pardiwalla, Junior School Performing Arts Coordinator
Chapel Choir
Jump Jam
Commotion in the Ocean
Explore our new website
diocesan.school.nz
Other ways to stay updated
Let hope FLOW this Christmas
DONATE TODAY christmasappeal.org.nz DONATE TODAY christmasappeal.org.nz DONATE TODAY christmasappeal.org.nz DONATE TODAY christmasappeal.org.nz DONATE TODAY christmasappeal.org.nz
