Raewyn Ashby - Meet and Funky

Raewyn Ashby

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Meet Raewyn Ashby. The director of the school of New Zealand looking for its students to become confident, connected and active lifelong learners.

How long have you lived in Indonesia and how long have you held the post of Director?
I lived in Indonesia for seven years and has served as director at the International School of New Zealand since January 2011. Previously, I was the head of the primary to NZIS from 2005. the difference is now that I am responsible for both primary and secondary Campus and also the overall management of all school departments.

What is the hardest part of being a leader?
There are difficulties in all jobs, but as educators we are all about solving problems. This stems from a genuine concern for others and always seeks to work alongside our school family to improve, whether with students, parents / guardians or staff. Embracing and understanding as we work and live in a new and different environment of our home experience is something that we must constantly focus and provide support to the other.

What would you say is the most essential quality of a good teacher?
A good teacher has a real empathy with their students. They are role models to ensure the confidence and pride of achievement and one that creates a learning environment that is positive, with clear behavioral expectations and boundaries. To be included in their practice, therefore, treat all students as individuals and creating respect, appreciation, and understanding of others. A good teacher develops a partnership between students, parents / guardians and teachers, which is essential for a successful educational journey. It is important for a teacher to have ongoing professional development, to reflect on their own teaching practices and be open to change.

When the New Zealand International School opened, and how has it changed or evolved since?
The school opened in 2002 and we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year. The school has changed considerably during this period with significant change in the number of students from 13 to the current number of 329. One of the biggest changes has been in our early childhood area. When I started school, we had seven students and now we have expanded to four classes with 66 students. The workforce has also increased, which has allowed us to expand choices for students, particularly at the secondary campus. We are engaged with a local university, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, to offer a course of the year in 2010 to their graduate students. This involves a transfer of knowledge by our teachers with 12 students graduated this year. They work alongside the class teacher to learn more about current practices of teaching and out NZIS they will be able to share this knowledge with local schools.

Speaking of local schools, what are your thoughts on the local education system in Indonesia?
I belong to several discussions about education in Indonesia. There is a desire for change while ensuring that the culture, beliefs and language are preserved. International schools here can and should play a role in sharing our knowledge not only within our own environment, but with the wider community. For example, programs and links with local schools trainees. Teaching training programs on a larger scale are essential for change to occur.

Does the school promote environmental awareness, as appropriate, how?
We do our best in terms of recycling and environmental awareness through school and is included as a subject in our program. We often ask our parents to sign and send school supplies for recycling in art and project work. This year we are also running a contest Wearable Arts where students must use recycled products to create a garment.

How is mixed student population - How many different nationalities are studying at school
We currently have 34 nationalities represented at 'school. It is amazing how it is just part of the lives of our students to work alongside such a variety of people where the language, beliefs and culture are diverse, but also embraced.

And how do you teach or celebrate culture in New Zealand in school?
The school had a Kapa Haka performance group almost from the start, which has become a part of very unique school. It encompasses traditional Maori action songs and hakas and includes both girls and boys. The group had the chance to play in front of various audiences, including NZ Prime Minister Rt. Hon John Key, Hon. Anne Tolley a former New Zealand Minister of Education, HE Mr. David Taylor our NZ ambassador in Jakarta, ANZAC Day and ANZA to name a few. Throughout our classrooms, you will also see aspects of our NZ Maori and language, illustrations and subjects.

Can you share with us what your own school experience was?
I got a great school experience growing up in a small town in New Zealand. The schools I attended were very similar to our school here in Jakarta, where individual attention to each student was achieved. The friendships that developed from living in a small community like we went from kindergarten to the end of our high school have made a significant difference in our lives. I think the main difference today is that academic achievement has a stronger focus in my day where you can follow a more vocational route with very common learning opportunities. Sporting played a major role in most of our lives with a wide tuning range. Contest weekend and after school practices have kept us busy and developed teamwork and fitness.

What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject was business studies, which was a mixture of learning shorthand, typing and office skills. In most because of the teacher who was inspirational and support.

Was there a teacher who has influenced your life, or your approach to education?
I have been fortunate to have many teachers who have shaped the way I think and value the importance of education. The most important was a secondary teacher, my mentor teacher while training to become a teacher and lecturer at the University. They not only shared their knowledge with me, but also supported and made me believe in myself and my abilities. I am eternally grateful to them and were able to share with them over time.

To contact Raewyn his email principal@nzis.net

 
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