JULIE SMALL

I am proud to be the current Campus Principal at St Peter’s Cambridge with more than 10 years of experience in school principalship. I work closely with the school board to progress and deliver on both operational and strategic projects while strengthening the holistic learning culture. Maintaining professional relationships and making a positive difference with people are key strengths I bring. I believe there is greatness and capability in everyone, and I persevere to find this in people.

I am an educational leader with a strong background in curriculum development, and student engagement. Proven ability to foster collaborative environments that drive academic achievement and continuous improvement. Adept at adapting to evolving educational needs and ensuring that team meets high standards. Recognised for leadership, effective communication, and strategic planning.

I am knowledgeable of what a Head of School role entails and have robust background in educational leadership, fostering academic achievement and staff development. Enhanced student performance and cultivated positive school culture through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills to drive school improvement and ensure operational efficiency.

• Co-led the development of strategic and annual plans with regular reporting and identification of shifts in student achievement to enable effective future planning
• Increased rigour and performance through student and staff feedback, Head of Faculty conversations, follow up and reporting on the best way forward
• Grew student leadership and differentiated the curriculum for girls and boys across levels resulting in an increase in the number of boys moving into leadership
• Embedded wellbeing into the culture of the school i.e., curriculum, speaker series, alignment with Physical Education, and Chaplains/Counsellors
• Developed and implemented a ‘Leadership Capability’ programme with proven results of staff appointments into leadership within the school and externally
• Setup collaborative lead teams and a process of review and reflective practice for continued improvement and to enable leaders to impact students positively
• Led St Peter’s safely through two years of covid challenges, providing quality and regular communications in collaboration with student groups, parents and the wider community
• In response to Covid restrictions, the school successfully delivered quality online teaching experiences and utilised the wellbeing programme throughout this time
• Developed staff performance management-based processes to increase student engagement and outcomes
• Brought two secondary schools in debt back to a balanced position and more recently the strategic approach to the Christian special character approach at St Peter’s

• Accredited Coach, Growth Coaching International 2016
• National award: Teacher of Excellence 1993

• Dan Haesler Cut Through Coaching and Leadership 2021, 2022
• Hogan Strengths, Values & Challenges Report, Winsborough 2021
• Character Strengths Report, VIA Institute of Character 2019
• SPANZ & ISNZ Annual Conferences 2017-2019
• Solutions Focused/Master Class Coaching, The Education Group 2016
• Myers & Briggs Training, The Effect Hamilton 2009
• Human Synergies Training, University of Waikato 2009
• Radical Restorative Collaboration Training, The Effect Hamilton 2009
• Restorative Practice Facilitator, Margaret Thorsburne 2008
• Te Kotahitanga by Russell Bishop & Mere Berryman 2008
• International School of Leadership, OUR Company 2004-2005
• First Time Principal’s Training Programme 2003
• New Zealand Certified Fitness Trainer, Australasian Fitness Company 1985

• Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Education May 2011
• Principal, Fairfield College, Hamilton 2007 –2011
• Principal, Rodney College, Wellsford 2003-2007
• Deputy Principal, Melville High School, Hamilton 1999-2003
• Head of Technologies, Hamilton Girls’ High School 1994-1999
• NZQA Moderator 1988-1998
• NZQA Examiner for NCEA 1990-1995
• Teacher | HOD Technology, Melville High School, Hamilton 1983-1993