SJB Deputy Principal and teacher Catherine Allen.
Joining the Saint John Bosco team
I began working with Saint John Bosco (SJB) at the start of last year, when I had a month or so before my studies commenced. I had worked with Cushla Young, now a teacher at SJB, the year before and she was excited about her upcoming position at the school. Cushla and Dee Luckin, the principal of SJB, worked together when he was leading St. Josephs Opunake and Cushla was nothing but positive about his leadership and pedagogy. Dee also gained kudos from my father, a hard man to please in terms of education, so I approached the school with optimism.
In those first few days, after discussing my skill set, Dee outlined possibilities for my involvement. My design skills were called upon for a few school documents using student illustrations, as well as creating a template for school presentations. I enjoyed the design aspect, the influence it can have in education and communication, but my real excitement lay with discussing the school’s direction. Specifically, I was intrigued with how Dee saw digital technology being introduced in a safe, effective, and inclusive way so the school’s vision was supported, not side-lined.
What have been some of your biggest frustrations when using DT personally?
My nature naturally sees myself looking beyond the frustrations and at the positives. I am always looking at the ways in which technology can enhance and enrich education. My very simple philosophy is if I can’t do it or work it out then my staff and students will more than likely be in the same predicament so I need to source an alternative or better option. I guess also as I am confident in my vision and what I want that I can also confidently engage with experts and ensure that they create what my vision entails.
When did you begin to realise the potential digital technology has in education?
I guess this happened very early on when I was teaching myself. I found technology to be a motivator and engager for children, not only for the talented but also those who found learning tricky. I discovered that programmes and resources available unlocked learning for all in different ways. Early on technology was a lot more basic. Of recent it is so exciting and empowering. I strongly believe that it is also a large time saver.
If you could sum up SJB’s DT journey in three words (at this stage), what would they be?
Deliberate, planned, purposeful.
In those first few days, after discussing my skill set, Dee outlined possibilities for my involvement. My design skills were called upon for a few school documents using student illustrations, as well as creating a template for school presentations. I enjoyed the design aspect, the influence it can have in education and communication, but my real excitement lay with discussing the school’s direction. Specifically, I was intrigued with how Dee saw digital technology being introduced in a safe, effective, and inclusive way so the school’s vision was supported, not side-lined.
What have been some of your biggest frustrations when using DT personally?
My nature naturally sees myself looking beyond the frustrations and at the positives. I am always looking at the ways in which technology can enhance and enrich education. My very simple philosophy is if I can’t do it or work it out then my staff and students will more than likely be in the same predicament so I need to source an alternative or better option. I guess also as I am confident in my vision and what I want that I can also confidently engage with experts and ensure that they create what my vision entails.
When did you begin to realise the potential digital technology has in education?
I guess this happened very early on when I was teaching myself. I found technology to be a motivator and engager for children, not only for the talented but also those who found learning tricky. I discovered that programmes and resources available unlocked learning for all in different ways. Early on technology was a lot more basic. Of recent it is so exciting and empowering. I strongly believe that it is also a large time saver.
If you could sum up SJB’s DT journey in three words (at this stage), what would they be?
Deliberate, planned, purposeful.
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