Private Tauranga school gets new principal

Thea Kilian is the new principal of ACG Tauranga, a private school in Pyes Pa that opened three-and-a-half years ago. Photo/Supplied.

A new principal has been appointed to ACG Tauranga, the private school in Pyes Pa that opened three-and-a-half years ago.

Thea Kilian replaces Shawn Hutchinson on August 1 who leaves to take over as principal of ACG School in Jakarta, Indonesia.

It will be the school's third principal since Christine Cottell-Mayhew was appointed foundation principal in July 2014, while the school was still under construction.

Kilian was deputy principal of Auckland's Long Bay College where her responsibilities included curriculum development, strategic leadership and student leadership.

She was also learning lead principal of the Oneroa Community of Learning that worked with the principals of seven schools on Auckland's North Shore to improve and accelerate student achievement.

Before Long Bay College, she held senior positions at Auckland's Western Springs College.

Kilian said ACG Tauranga had phenomenal potential in a fast-growing environment.

"Visiting the school, I experienced a real sense of care and community...in order for our children to achieve success they must feel safe, connected and engaged. Only then are we able to inspire and challenge them to develop."

Kilian said she had a personal interest in the crucial role that mental well-being played in the success of young people.

ACG's chief executive of schools and early learning, Clarence van der Wel, said Kilian had a deep understanding of education and knew what high-quality learning looked like.

Kilian holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in mathematics and botany and a Bachelor of Science postgraduate honours degree in mathematics. She holds a National Excellence in Teaching Award.

ACG Tauranga is a co-educational private school offering programmes from
preschool through to Year 13.

- John Cousins