As the beginning of Term 3 approaches Kane Todd, new Makahu School principal, is settling in seamlessly into the new job.
The first time principal is a Taranaki local as he is originally from Waitara and is "so glad to be back in the 'Naki'!" For the past couple of years, he has been teaching at a private school in Wanganui.
Kane, his wife Linda and their two children Alesha, 8 and Caleb, 9, are, "not missing the big city at all. It has been a breath of fresh air, literally".
Kane and the family have been visiting Makahu for years during the school holidays: "We always loved it out here, the scenery is amazing and the kids have always enjoyed getting a real country experience." Because of the visiting it was easy for them to integrate into the community. "We have been welcomed so warmly into the community it's been amazing."
Kane admits being a first-time principal is a challenge, "but small schools are where you can really learn how to be a principal". Having "an incredibly pro-active and professional board of trustees" makes settling into the role much easier too.
Kane loves teaching a smaller roll of students; after home schooling his children early on he understands how important teacher to student ratios are.
"It's important to me to improve student learning outcomes and to have them engaged and excited about learning. I really enjoy helping children become curious about the world they live in."