Stories - experiences around people living with disability
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EDUCATION STORIES
Principal of Waimairi School in Christchurch
Philip Harding, principal of Waimairi School in Christchurch, manages a school which is recognized and valued for its attitudes towards disability by parents of both able bodied children and those with disabilities. Waimairi goes well beyond a theoretical approach in making these attitudes a reality. Phil says they are constantly looking for ways to support the staff and parents by meeting their needs in a transparent way, wherever they can. Small things, like making IEP meetings during school time and providing release time for teachers while they happen.
The school works hard to support all parents. They encourage parents to know what their rights for their children are, and to look at the options available for their children. As a result, Waimairi has become a very family oriented school where regular school family events happen: like an end-of-year BBQ for year 6 students, where all students – including those with disabilities – make a small speech of farewell. Phil comments that they get very positive feedback from all parents and very few negative comments about their attitude to disability and their inclusive education programme.
Phil has a couple of fundamental ideas that he and his team keep in mind when dealing with parents of disabled children. First of all, he says they always ask themselves, "If I was dealing with this situation these parents are, how would I cope?"
Secondly, he holds up a hand. "When we are working with a child with a disability the management team asks itself", he says, ticking off his fingers, " is the child, the teacher, the parent and the teacher aide happy with how we are managing this? If so, then the learning can happen."
Phil says the climate of tolerance and inclusiveness they have created at Waimairi is good for all the children there, not just those with disabilities. "The kids are very supportive and accepting of children with disabilities. They are all learning skills and values that they need in the real world, where disability is part of our everyday experience."
"We expect to give the best to all the children we are responsible for. We have created a culture of professionalism around the area of disability and inclusiveness. I see it as a professional issue for both teachers and schools.
IHC Code for New Zealand Schools
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