Empowering Anglican Schools in the Diocese of Polynesia

The recent two-day meeting of the 10 Anglican School principals in Suva, held on November 19-20, 2024, marked a significant step forward for the Diocese of Polynesia. This gathering brought together school leaders from across the region to discuss and strategize on key issues affecting their institutions. The primary objective was to strengthen the Anglican identity and values within the schools, improve communication and networking, enhance governance and leadership, and address infrastructure and safety concerns.

The meeting commenced with participants sharing their backgrounds, fostering open discussions. A key focus was the development of a unified Vision, Mission, and Values for Anglican schools to strengthen their identity and incorporate Anglican principles into programs. Communication and networking were prioritized, with regular meetings and digital platforms such as WhatsApp, suggested for collaboration, alongside creating a Facebook page for community engagement.
Governance and leadership improvements were necessary, emphasizing professional development and collaboration with the Ministry of Education to tackle teacher shortages. Parental and community engagement was deemed vital for enhancing student outcomes, with proposals for increased involvement through meetings and addressing social issues together.
Infrastructure and safety were significant concerns, leading to discussions on ensuring school buildings meet safety standards and defining school boundaries. The need for a tailored curriculum arose, with suggestions for vocational training programs to accommodate diverse student needs. Lastly, climate change and environmental education discussions called for integration into the curriculum, with a commitment to participating in regional initiatives to promote ocean awareness. The “Hikoi Tumanako mo te Moana” is a journey of hope advocating for the Ocean as a life-giving and hope-giving force, initiated by the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia.

The meeting's outcomes were promising. There was a strong commitment to developing a unified Vision, Mission, and Values for all Anglican schools. The principals agreed to establish regular communication and collaboration, with monthly or quarterly meetings to share ideas and support each other. The church pledged to provide more support to schools, including resources for professional development and infrastructure improvements.

Overall, the meeting was a significant step towards creating a more cohesive, supportive, and effective network of Anglican schools in the Diocese of Polynesia. The principals left the meeting feeling empowered and optimistic about the future, with a clear plan to enhance the quality of education and maintain their schools' unique Anglican identity.