Caretaker Principal Message

Kia ora koutau i ngā whanau o te Heretaunga Kareti

Warm greetings to all who are part of the wider family of Heretaunga College

The Heretaunga College Board invited me to fulfil the role of Caretaker Principal for Term 2, or until the new permanent principal is appointed and able to take up the position. I happily agreed to support the school in this way to ensure that the current senior leadership team can carry on with their jobs and not be overburdened. As caretaker principal my focus will be on tuning in to the heartbeat of the college staff and students, reinforcing the colleges values and processes, building relational trust and teamwork, supporting the board and of course getting the daily mahi done!

I will have no part in the appointment of the next principal.

I have served for 30 years as the principal of three colleges: I completed my time at Naenae College in 2017 and then had 5 years as the leadership advisor for some 50 beginning secondary principals in the lower half of the North Island, and as a commissioner on the Tertiary Education Commission. Last year I had some time back at Naenae to support the college through the appointment phase of their new principal.

It is a good feeling to be back in the school environment. Being involved in the education of the next generation is a privilege and a rewarding challenge.

If you have any questions or comments, please email me on russellj@heretaunga.school.nz


Ngā mihi nui

John Russell