Kerri McKay is the principal at Bayfield Primary School, and a co-lead of Te Kāhui Ako o Waitematā (Community of Learning).
What made you want to take on the co-lead role for the Kahui Ako?I believe in the strength of collaboration, using the skills and resources of the 12 schools within our K-ahui Ako. I feel this is the best way to ensure a consistency of teaching practice so that all the children in the inner city are given every opportunity to succeed. We have some very successful and high performing schools in our K-ahui and it is fantastic to work with a group of engaged and passionate principals.
How does this fit with your role as Principal of Bayfield Primary School?
It deepens our school’s relationship with other schools in our area. It is also an excellent opportunity to support the success of the K-ahui Ako by offering the leadership skills, systems and processes around change leadership and planning of a principal.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I feel very lucky to be leading Bayfield School and I love the challenges and problem solving that comes with being a principal, growing leadership and capability in teachers and watching our children learn and grow. My daily walks around the school to see the children are always a highlight of my day. I really enjoy them sharing their learning with me and I relish the time that I get to spend with them in the learning spaces.
How did you get into teaching?
Actually, I was not planning on being a teacher. As a child I always wanted to be a doctor, then an anthropologist, and then a police officer/pathologist, but during my final year at school I decided to apply to be a teacher. Despite completing some other papers at university, I found I was born to be a teacher and have never looked back.
Have you got a favourite local spot?
I am very fortunate to have JUK right across the road. I also really like Bread & Butter in West Lynn, and I often frequent Dear Jervois. There are so many choices around here.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Dunedin, and my entire immediate family is still in Dunedin, apart from one sister who lives in Christchurch. It was a great place to live as a child; lots of outdoor adventures.
What keeps you occupied when you aren’t teaching?
I am still that adventurous child. I love running and mountain biking, and spend a lot of time away on the trails, mostly in Rotorua. In 2019, I was privileged to ride in Whistler, Canada which is a mountain bikers dream.
I also really enjoy documentaries and love learning about people, places and history. There is still a budding anthropologist in me.
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