Head to focus on hi-tech

Walton School’s new principal is settling in and looking forward to making his mark on the school.

Jeremy Kurth officially started last week, although he is already a familiar face to some, having spent the summer holidays looking after the school pool.

Mr Kurth was previously deputy principal at Te Kowhai School for five years, as well as assistant and deputy principal at Te Uku School, near Raglan, for five-and-a-half years.

Walton’s former principal Bob Marlow, who was at the school for 25 years, would be a hard act to follow, Mr Kurth said.

‘‘It’s a bit intimidating – he did such a great job, the community held him in such high esteem and he was so loved by the kids,’’ he said.

‘‘At the same time, I think I have a different set of skills I can offer the school.’’

Mr Kurth plans to transform the school’s five classrooms into modern learning environments, with a shift towards new technology.

‘‘I want the classroom to be a place that is stimulating and motivating for students,’’ he said.

‘‘Kids adapt so quickly to new technology so you have to keep pushing the envelope.

‘‘I believe learning should be fun and challenging for kids,’’ he said.

‘‘ At the same time you need to be firm and fair so there are set boundaries.’’

Born and bred in the Waikato, Mr Kurth loves sport and is a huge fan of the Warriors.

He is also a car enthusiast and is restoring a 1969 Holden ute.

Mr Kurth moved to Walton with wife Anna, who is also a teacher, and his two girls Brenna, 6, and Ellie, 3.

‘‘ That was one of the reasons I wanted to come here, I heard it was a strongly family-orientated school and that sits well with my personal values,’’ he said. ‘‘ I really enjoy meeting people in the community and invite people to stop in any time, my door is always open.’’