What inspired you to become the Enrolment Manager at ACG Sunderland?
I used to work for Carters and have held a number of different roles in the construction industry, from junior quantity surveyor to trade account manager and trade support. After completing a Leadership in Business qualification, I realised how important a company’s vision, mission and values are. I was exploring ACG’s website and the second I read their values I was hooked. No other company has had values that have resonated with me so strongly.
In your view, what’s the best thing about ACG Sunderland?
The level of passion the school brings out in everyone. From the teachers who are devoted to giving students their all, to the admin staff who stay back late; from the parents who come in and get involved, to the students who seem to have an insatiable appetite for knowledge. The amount of passion you see all over the school for the same goals is truly amazing.
What does the enrolment process involve?
It’s a lot simpler than I’d imagined. Parents can either apply online or come in and visit us. We offer a guided tour around the grounds so that families can get a feel for the campus, and this leads onto an interview with our Principal, Nathan Villars, who sits down with families to answer any further questions. If everyone is happy, within a day or two I will issue a letter of offer to the parents, offering a placement for their child. For those students and families who are still a little unsure, we invite them along to ‘Student for a Day’, which allows children to come and spend a day with us and get a real taste of life at ACG Sunderland.
How do you support students to transition into the school?
ACG Sunderland is a very caring and inclusive school, and staff and students alike go out of their way to make sure new students feel welcomed and included. We encourage all our new entrants to come into school the term before they are due to start, to help them settle in. We also arrange a buddy for all our new students (from new entrants right up to Year 13) to ensure no one has to navigate the start of a new school by themselves.
What sort of questions do parents have?
A really common question is asking why choose the Cambridge Curriculum over NCEA. The answer to that is easy. At ACG Sunderland we encourage every child to reach their full potential, so why cap that potential to New Zealand qualifications only? Our students have the potential to take on and challenge the world, and we give them the education to match.
What do you enjoy most about being the Enrolment Manager?
My favourite part is when a prospective student and parents walk out of their interview with Principal Villars with big smiles on their faces, happily and proudly announcing their acceptance to ACG. Sharing that excitement and being part of that huge moment is the best!
What advice would you give parents looking for a school for their child?
Don’t rush, do your research, and attend as many open days or school visits as you need to. It is important that you and your child are happy. Choosing a school is a big thing, you need to pick what’s best for you and your child.
Where can we find you when you are not supporting our ACG Sunderland families?
Apart from being a taxi driver to my six-year-old son, Chase, I LOVE the beach. It doesn’t matter what season it is, you’ll find me out at Piha or hiking through the local bush tracks. I’ll do anything that takes me outside, even if it’s just a trip to the local park at the weekend.
You can contact Lauren at lauren.fraser@staging.acgschools.com
