Plimmerton School

I think the reviews on here are really harsh. There's a minority of parents who are unhappy with the principal and the behaviour seems like bullying. In our experience, the principal has been helpful and supportive, the teachers are good and our kids are learning and happy. Nobody is ever going to be 100% satisfied.

Terrible teaching environment. A culture of revenge and prosecution.

The leadership at this school has fallen below acceptable standards. The school principal is clearly a bully with staff constantly challenged openly and a directive not to speak to the board (go to him on any issues). There is some very poor behavior at the top and a recent staff feedback session was more focused on staff views around the principal. (do they like and respect the leader) that important matters relating to the community and parents view of the outcomes being gained. Feedback was not allowed to be anonymous. Other parents are taking kids out and the school is poorly run with staff who are clearly being "managed" by a poor leader. The board needs to act.

I am writing to address some recent reviews of Plimmerton School that I feel have been unfairly critical and damaging. It’s disheartening to see the hard work of the principal, teachers, and support staff being undermined by unconsidered negativity.

While no school is without its flaws, the progress made under Principal Chris Steffensen’s leadership has been significant. His tenure has seen a positive shift in the school's culture, moving away from what some perceived as entitlement to a more inclusive and supportive environment. This is a testament to his commitment and the dedication of the entire staff.

It's important to recognise that change takes time. Mr. Steffensen handled a challenging bullying situation involving my own child with grace and transparency, demonstrating his commitment to student welfare and his understanding that improvement is a gradual process.

Criticising the board and the school as a whole without acknowledging the hard work being done only hampers progress and affects everyone involved. Let's give the school the space to continue its efforts to provide quality education and support for our children. The dedicated teachers and staff deserve our support and recognition for their ongoing efforts to create a positive learning environment.

As predicted the review was taken down by Simon Pearce. I am beyond angry at the lack of management at the school since Chris started. The board are letting him run rings around them and continually refuse to manage any of the serious issues at the School. Bullying is rife this includes management, who have bullied countless teacher to leave. Constant inappropriate behaviour from Chris to students, staff and parents, including affairs. those that can are removing their kids from this school, and yes that included board members - so that tells you everything you need to know!

Not an inclusive school for neurodiverse Tamariki.
They were dismissive and not open about listening to my child's needs, said they would not get "special treatment" they obviously know nothing about neurodiversity or about equity vs equality in the classroom.
Lots of negative feedback from other parents. We live in Plimmerton and went out of zone because this school ticked no boxes.
I dont understand why people are snobby and think it's superior when it's clearly lacking. A high teacher turnover and lack of community feeling and kindness. Look elsewhere.
Also overflowing with kids.
Go to paremata, pukerua bay, papakowhai, pauatahanui, rangikura, st Ts,
anywhere else.

The principal is awful and a bully. don't come it many other kids hate it too