Testimonials

..."Barbara has shown herself to be an extremely efficient organiser with an eye for detail, a commitment to thoroughness and an uncanny ability to get things done.  She required considerable diplomacy and tenacity in dealing with the public and the media in the project she was given, and she acquitted herself in an outstanding manner"...
..."Perhaps her greatest strength is in the way she deals with people.  She has a rare sense of compassion and understanding which was valued by our clients and a geniality which made her very popular.  She is enthusiastic and her organisational ability ensured our group, which comprised volunteers and paid staff worked together very successfully."

David Menadue, President, People with Living with Aids, Victorian Aids Council, Melbourne.

"Barbara has been recognised as an expert in inclusive education. She has been invited to present to New Zealand principals on inclusive education and has lectured in 10 different courses in inclusive education and teacher education Barbara was also active in national and international conferences, chairing sessions, reviewing papers, and presenting papers. I went to one of Barbara’s presentations and was most impressed by her work"...

..."In the last three years Barbara has written and presented 10 papers, and some of these papers have already been published in conference proceedings and journals. She is highly efficient and organised and has a clear focus in her work I enjoyed working with Barbara. She is a team worker and is always willing to support her colleagues. She is highly efficient and organised and has a clear focus in her work. I strongly recommend her to you".

Associate Professor Kwok-Wing Lai.  Faculty of Education, University of Otago.

..."Barbara demonstrates an energetic and positive leadership style at all times. She was uncompromising in her determination to bring about change in the roles she is given to improve student outcomes.  It has been a pleasure to see Mrs Perry carry out the many and varied duties of a leader with intelligence, tact, professional acumen and a real regard for the feeling of others.  She is a very humane person who maintains her dignity, composure and sense of humour even in testing situations".

Jan Barrow, Principal Appraiser, Christchurch.

"In her role Mrs. Perry showed excellent strategic planning skills and incorporated a strong future focused approach in her work. She displayed a strong work ethic, worked inclusively with others and worked hard to create a team culture. This also extended to her working to achieve positive relationships with staff and the school community. This was evidenced by her active support for community events and her social skills in engaging with those groups in and around the school.
After the city's earthquakes, new demands were placed on schools and their Principals and teachers. OLV was no different in that regard and the Principal displayed a positive and resilient attitude and approach.
In term 3 of 2012, Mrs. Perry took a sabbatical and undertook a research project on resilience in the school environment Her undertaking of that project and its application to her operational roles are evidence of her attitude as an engaged learner and her focus on on-going personal professional development.
Mrs. Perry's very strong pedagogical focus saw a positive shift In lifting student achievement. That focus was coupled with her strong focus on integrating the special character of the school in its day-to-day operations. Of particular note Is Mrs. Perry's strong interest and experience in the education of students with special educational needs.

Murray Strong, Commissioner, Our Lady of Victories School

..."Barbara is an outstanding teacher.  I have had the privilege of "sitting in" on some of the workshops she has facilitated and these have been motivating and rewarding experiences.  Barbara is able to scaffold learning to reach participants with a range of abilities and backgrounds and still maintain a high level of participation and commitment.  She has the ability to naturally network.  Her open and pleasant manner with people assists in the establishment of rapport and her effective communication skills ensure relaxed and respectful interactions.  She is highly respected and manages change through a consultative and equitable approach.Whilst at the College Barbara showed leadership in tackling some projects we had overlooked"...

..."She is highly respected in relation to her colleagues and has managed change through a most consultative and equitable approach. Barbara has the ability to naturally network. Her open and pleasant manner with people assists in the establishing of rapport and her effective communication skills ensures relaxed and respectful interactions"...

..."I regard Barbara as a person who has an in-depth understanding of school operational procedures and curriculum areas. She has a proactive approach and is able to plan effectively and provide support to teachers, associated professionals, students and families. Barbara has a well developed sense of social justice and is very skilled and knowledgeable in this area. Barbara would be an asset to any organisation and community in which she worked".

Deborah Espiner, Principal Lecturer, Centre for Special Education, Auckland College of Education.

..."I would like to congratulate Barbara on continually fulfilling the requirements of the professional standards and on the wonderful job she is doing. The challenges continue as we grow and her dedication to ensuring we do not loose our vision and deliver the highest standard of education have never wavered".

Yeverley McCarthy, Board Chairperson, Wanaka.

(Full references available)