Hāwera’s new school principal appointed
Hāwera High School principal Rachel Williams has been appointed to lead the town’s new combined intermediate and high school, which will open in less than a year.
Discussion about the future of education in the town has been part of Williams’ entire tenure as principal since January 2018, and on Monday she said she was very pleased to continue the journey.
‘‘I’m sitting here slightly excited, slightly overwhelmed by what needs to be done, but mostly excited.
‘‘It’s really nice to have been here from the start, and it will help us work towards the new without forgetting the old. There’s some great history here. We have to take that into the next phase.’’
The closure of the existing high and intermediate schools, to be replaced by a standalone year 7-13 school from January 2023, was announced by Education Minister Chris Hipkins in November.
Discussions about possible changes in the town’s schooling began after a fire badly damaged the intermediate in 2015 and the high school needed extensive repairs.
The new school is being known as Hāwera New School until a permanent name is chosen, and it will be built on the current high school site.
Two expert independent advisers assisted the Hāwera New School establishment board with making the decision on the principal role, board chairperson Will Edwards said. ‘‘We really wanted that independent advice.
‘‘We were really impressed with Rachel’s application and presentation during the interview. She has great vision for the future of education that will be developed at the new school.’’
It was her ‘‘comprehensive blueprint’’, including a focus on identity, wellbeing, an innovative curriculum and the physical environment, that impressed the board. ‘‘It was very much centred on, and all about, the students,’’ Edwards said.
An interim leader would soon be appointed for the transition, to head the high school for the remainder of the year, to ensure normality for current students.
The board’s next task, along with Williams, is to select staff for the new school’s senior management team, and to decide on the school’s vision and principles, he said.
Current Hāwera High School board chairman Gary Wallis said the board was focused on getting the school itself, including its curriculum and staff, in place before looking at the rebuild ahead, so the new buildings would be tailored to fit.
‘‘We want to ensure we have the best school we can for the 21st century; it’s not just about buildings,’’ he said.