Principal in Person with Shelly Park School's Ed Roper

How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?

I’ve been an educator for 20 years. Six of those were as a classroom teacher, four as a team leader, five as a deputy principal, and I’m now in my fifth year as a principal. I trained at Auckland College of Education on the Epsom Campus.

When did you become principal of Shelly Park School?

In October 2020. To be honest, I didn’t have a clear understanding of what a “typical” day as a principal looked like when I took over due to the challenges of Covid-19. This experience allowed me to learn more about my staff and community in a way I might not have otherwise. The past four years have flown by, and I feel privileged to be only the third principal of Shelly Park since its opening in 1979.

What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?

There are countless great things. When a classroom teacher, I really enjoyed the bonds I formed with each of my classes. Spending six-seven hours a day with students for a whole year allows you to get to know them as individuals. Even today, I still run into many of my former students and love catching up on their lives. As a team leader, I gained my first experience leading others and managing a small group of teachers within a school. It was challenging but also rewarding to run my own class while providing guidance and support to others. This role allowed me to connect with more students and work with a variety of challenges and successes. When I became a deputy principal, I transitioned from a classroom teacher with some leadership responsibilities to a senior leader with a broader range of duties. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the operations of a school and gain a deeper understanding. I was fortunate to have a great mentor who allowed me to explore my passions and grow as a future principal. As a principal, I’ve come to appreciate the multifaceted nature of this job and the importance of flexibility and remaining calm. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my school community and understanding their aspirations for their children. I love being the leader of learning and recognise the immense responsibility that comes with it. Building a love of learning in all students who attend Shelly Park is a key priority, as I believe it makes learning easier.

What’s special about Shelly Park School?

Where do I begin? The staff, including teachers, support and administrative staff, teacher aides, and our property manager, are fantastic. They’re genuinely committed to our students’ success and strive to make a positive impact on their lives. We often say that our job is to nurture and develop great young humans, and we excel at that. We have a wonderful community that looks out for one another and welcomes new families. Before I came to Shelly Park, I was told the school has a country feel, even though it’s situated in an urban environment. I love seeing parents waiting for their students at the end of the day, filled with laughter and conversation. It’s a vibrant atmosphere. We strongly believe in encouraging students to participate in various activities. We offer swimming sports, athletics, cross-country, and triathlon days. All students participate, and it’s inspiring to watch them cheer each other on. One highlight is seeing senior students assist younger students in the pool, which demonstrates their strong sense of Tuākana-Teina. This year, we introduced a science lab and will be introducing an art specialist programme next year. All students participate in these and have fantastic experiences.

Is there anything you’d like improved in the education / school management sector?

When it comes to education, there are so many diverse opinions and perspectives that individuals would answer this question differently. It’s a significant challenge for schools when new concepts and mandates are introduced, especially when there’s a change in government. I’m not saying these mandates are bad, and to be honest the recent inclusion (I use this word inclusion for a reason as one size does not fit all) of a more structured approach to teaching will be great for our schools and students. However, it’s also important to know teachers do know what they’re doing. They build strong relationships with their students and parents and are really good at what they do. A national Ministry of Education not impacted by government change sounds like a pretty good idea to me.

How is the relationship between Shelly Park School and its immediate local community?

I believe our local community strongly supports our school. During Covid-19, the community’s support was invaluable, highlighting the importance of schools in challenging times. While there’s always room for improvement, finding ways to connect with families beyond fundraising is crucial. Hosting events like outdoor art evenings and school picnics has been effective in fostering community engagement. We also do a great job of making the school accessible to community groups and families outside of school hours.