New school head named

After 10 years, Barbara Cavanagh is returning to the Waikato - as principal of Huntly College.

The Ohaupo native has more than 20 years of experience as a principal, including roles at both Ngaruawahia High School and Te Awamutu College.

Her appointment follows the ousting of former principal Tim Foy, who resigned in September after a 13-year tenure at the school.

His decision to leave came off the back of a government report which highlighted ‘‘ongoing underperformance of kids’’ at the college and drew attention to Foy himself, who was described by the report writer as having a ‘‘lack of community involvement’’.

Cavanagh declined to comment about Foy, but said she’s excited about the challenge she faces and wants to continue the good work he did at the school.

‘‘I’m aware things have been difficult and really hope in a short time things will come right for the school and the community,’’ Cavanagh said.

‘‘Obviously we will be doing some things differently.

‘‘But that’s exciting and I will be talking with the board, teachers, the community and people from the local marae about what we as a community can do differently.

‘‘It’s an exciting time.

‘‘We don’t have to do the same thing and the big question for schools is how we can respond to the world we’re living in, so students leave with the best opportunity going into it.’’

Cavanagh said the trade initiatives Foy offered at the school worked well and she’d look to keep those running.

‘‘The school has got a lot of good things going on.

‘‘I am looking forward to continuing the many good initiatives already engaged at the college and to work with the local community, iwi and wha¯nau to continue to improve and enhance the opportunity provided to the young learners of Huntly.’’

Cavanagh got the job ahead of a number of other high-quality applicants.

She credits her experience. ‘‘I’ve been a principal for a long time.

‘‘I feel like I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve been challenged a lot and I would like to bring my experience to Huntly.’’

One thing which has always driven Cavanagh is a passion for students.

‘‘People know me for being a very passionate educator who wants the best for every student who comes to the school.

‘‘Every child at school deserves to be nurtured and respected as a learner, every child deserves a chance.’’

Huntly College limited statutory manager Hemi Rau also said Cavanagh’s experience gave her the edge.

‘‘The whole idea is to change the teaching pedagogy and Barbara has a proven track record as a very successful principal,’’ Rau said.

‘‘While at Te Awamutu College, she lifted Ma¯ ori achievement from 19 per cent to 61 per cent, from one year to the next.

‘‘This had an impact because those students went on to complete NCEA levels two and three.’’

Cavanagh’s reputation was exemplary, Rau said.

‘‘When you say Barbara Cavanagh, very rarely do you have someone say Barbara who?

‘‘She’s known throughout the education system and will hopefully attract other high-performing teachers.’’

Cavanagh is currently the foundation principal at Albany Senior High School and will start at Huntly College in the New Year.