Latest News

A few weeks back, Mrs Fordyce spoke at our full school assembly with an inspiring speech on some
of the most impactful reads she's encountered. Today, I’d like to continue from her message and
further explore our school's Growth Profile, focusing on our journey towards becoming "world
ready".

In my office hangs a poster—a book cover, to be precise—entitled "Tales from the Goldilocks Zone".
It is only one of a number of different science fiction stories I’ve read over the years. More recently
this had included Andy Weirs "The Martian" and "Project Hail". Like many other science fiction
stories, you are led to explore mysterious worlds. Today, I’d like to challenge to you to think about
the idea of the “The Goldilocks Zone”.

Scientists have stolen the idea of the Goldilocks zone to describe in their quest to find other
lifeforms in the universe, areas which are “just right” for life to thrive. Many of you will be very
familiar with the tale of Goldilocks, and like all good fiction, it has layers of meaning. You see, as
learners, you are just like the character “Goldilocks”, embarking on a quest to find your pathway in
this hyper-busy world. At times, decisions you make will feel too hot, and at other times, too cold,
striving to find a “just right” place to be.

Being "world ready" is not merely a skill; it's a way of life. Stories can serve as a compass, guiding us
on this journey. Novels take us on voyages of discovery, preparing us for the unknown, this is
precisely where you might find yourselves now, as learners —setting out on your own journey,
leaving behind your familiar places, and venturing into the great unknown.

For you to be successful in your journey, it is useful to know where you have come from, your roots,
your place of origin. When I was younger, I spent time tracing my roots back, on my fathers side, to
Scotland, and a little town, ironically, called Methven. This is where the Gorrie family were from. On
my mother’s side, the rich tropical island of Savaaii, Samoa and the small village of Patamea, where
my maternal ancestors and Grandfather came from.

Living on this island nation of Aotearoa, all of us have ancestors who ventured out into the world to
discover new things, new people and new places, eventually settling here. They were looking to see
if things were, too hot, too cold or “just right”. Our place where we are from, our place where we
have the greatest sense of self, this is known as our turangawaewae.

Finding your “goldilocks zone” will often mean that you will venture out into the world, learn a lot
about the people, places and ultimately return back to your turangawaewae. I can only hope that
you return and share what you have learned about yourself.

Take time to learn about your place of origin, the place where you feel “just right” before you step
into our wider world.