We recently offered our Instep Principals Day Out which aims to bridge the gap between education and the business community by immersing our school leaders in the many pathways and opportunities available for students in the region. Through initiatives like this, Priority One seeks to inspire school officials to connect their students with industries and experiences they might not typically encounter, ensuring young people are better prepared for their future career

This event focused on the theme of health and wellbeing, providing insights into sectors where these values are central. Principals explored how local organisations and facilities contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals while creating pathways for students to engage in meaningful careers.

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The day began with a visit to the NZ Blood Service’s new Tauranga facility. Many principals kicked off the morning by donating blood, contributing to the only 4% of New Zealanders who regularly give this life-saving resource. The tour highlighted the intricacies of blood donation and processing, followed by a data-driven presentation on the service’s impact.

A personal touch was added by Mikyla Winchcombe from the Hamilton office, who shared her journey through leukemia and how it shaped her career with the NZ Blood Service. Her story reminded us of the critical need for donations and the profound difference they make in people’s lives.

Next, the principals met with the Philips Search & Rescue Trust team, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the complexity of rescue missions.

• Todd: A seasoned pilot with thousands of flight hours, discussed the precision and responsibility required to ensure safety in challenging conditions.
• Janine: A critical care flight paramedic explained her role in delivering advanced medical interventions mid-flight, often under extreme pressure.
• Kara: An air crew officer and paramedic, Kara’s expertise spans winch operations, navigation, and ensuring the safety of all aboard.

Hearing directly from the team brought the significance of their work into sharp focus.

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The final stop was the Adams Centre for High Performance, where Ryan Hood led a comprehensive tour of the cutting-edge facilities. The centre combines science, technology, and athlete care, preparing elite competitors for the global competition.

Highlights included:

1. Loretta Hogg: Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, who detailed the centre’s world-class gym, recovery pools, and sports science laboratory.
2. Julie Renouf: A physiotherapist with Body in Motion, Julie explained their role as the official physiotherapy provider for the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and the Steamers.
3. James Porter: Assistant coach for the Bay of Plenty Steamers, James emphasised the importance of Level 3 education for young athletes, aligning strategy and critical thinking with physical performance.
4. Christiaan Cumming and James Rountree: Masters students demonstrated testing protocols, including treadmill runs that monitored heart rate, lactate levels, and exertion.

The tour also showcased the Applied Sport Science Education Programme through the University of Waikato, a hands-on initiative allowing secondary students to apply theoretical knowledge in a high-performance setting. Students are assessed using state-of-the-art techniques identical to those employed with elite athletes, offering a unique learning experience that merges education with innovation.

The Principals Day Out provided a rich experience of insights into community services, advanced rescue operations, and high-performance sport. Each stop demonstrated the power of expertise, collaboration, and dedication, leaving attendees inspired and better equipped to connect these opportunities with their schools and communities.