Homecoming for new Omihi principal
For Omihi School’s new principal, her latest appointment is a homecoming of sorts.
Maree Lucas started her teaching career in the Hurunui, at Leithfield and Broomfield schools before teaching in Rangiora, then London and Auckland. She returned to her native North Canterbury three years ago from Auckland to take a position as assistant principal at Oxford Area School, then went to Elmwood School as Deputy principal before heading to Omihi in the top job.
She has big plans for the small school. ‘‘Currently our roll is at 18 but it’s definitely my goal to grow the school.’’
Lucas said the small country school has plenty to offer. ‘‘We have an extremely high teacher to student ratio. We also have a bright, modern school which was refurbished only 18 months ago.’’
Lucas said they also collaborate with other schools in the area, including ballroom dancing at Amberley Domain.
‘‘Our students don’t miss out on anything, as well as having the added benefit of small class sizes and the use of one to one devices.’’
On a personal level, Lucas has recently married her husband George, a sheep and beef farmer in Greta Valley, so this area is her home. ‘‘This is something that’s really important to me. I’m looking forward to helping my own community and students, creating a thriving 21st century school.’’
Lucas, who admits she was a real city girl, is enjoying her new home town. ‘‘I love it here. It’s really peaceful and everyone looks after each other. All the kids take the school bus and it picks them up at their gates.’’
Lucas loves that her new role still allows her to have teaching time. She takes the junior room every Thursday and teaches the whole school every second Friday.
Lucas said one family at the school travel from Waikuku because they want the small country school education. ’’It’s something special to see the whole school as friends – the older students are so caring and considerate of the younger students and in turn the younger students are confident and and don’t feel intimidated.’’
Lucas said they will have a new school website up and running this week and a real presence on social media showcasing all the great new initiatives and student achievements.