School of the Week: Katikati College

Pawan Kumar, Jake Hannah, Roelien Du Plessis, Alison Kindley, principal Carolyn Pentecost, and Cameron Hankin. Photo/John Borren

The school ball, student performances and prizegivings - these are a few of Carolyn Pentecost's favourite things.

Katikati College's newest principal says the school's calendar is overflowing with events that showcase its students' talents, academic, sporting and performing arts.

Pentecost's proudest school moments were the school ball, prizegivings, athletic and swimming events, Pasifika and kapa haka, student performances and students against staff sports matches.

"These events pull our school community together and remind us how lucky we to be part of such a fabulous, supportive learning community," the principal says.

But she says the best part is the teaching and learning relationships between teachers and students.

"They can happen anytime, anywhere and ignite the fire in a student's belly that motivates them to go on to achieve personal excellence."

Pentecost is the newest principal of Katikati College, recently taking over from Neil Harray, who led the school from 2010.

The new school leader says she has the best job in the world. What reinforces her expression of confidence is the people.

"They are what our college is all about," she says. "They are what makes this the best job in the world."

Despite being only a few months into her new role, Pentecost has already developed a love for the school and its students.

She says the best part about working at Katikati College is its daily highlights.
"My personal favourite, no matter which school I have worked in, are students and staff achieving success."

Pentecost says the school had several points of difference that allowed it to be an inclusive, diverse and innovative learning community.

"We act with integrity, have pride in who we are and what we believe while empowering our learners to achieve personal excellence."

The principal says the Year 7 to 13 college has a visible and inspiring community with strong Pasifika and Maori connections "and an incredibly dedicated staff and awesome students".

She acknowledges the staff, students, parents, coaches, mentors and community groups who volunteer their time and energy to making the Katikati College community what it is.

"Without these people, our college and its students could not experience as much success as they do."

EDUCATION REPORT - NOVEMBER 11, 2016:
Katikati College has strong links to the local community. Students are confident, have a strong sense of belonging and enjoy success in an environment that is safe and inclusive. Their achievements are recognised and celebrated. Relationships among students, teachers and whanau are positive and respectful.
ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL:
Location: Katikati, Bay of Plenty
Ministry of Education profile number: 117
School type: Secondary (Years 7 to 13)
School roll: 851
Number of international students: 16
Gender composition: Girls 53%, Boys 47%
Ethnic composition: Pakeha 66%, Maori 19%, Indian 3%, Tongan 3%, Asian 2%, Other European 5%, Other Pacific 2%
Review team on site: August 2016
Most recent ERO reports: November 2013, August 2009, August 2006

SCHOOL MOTTO:
Ever trying, Ever Onward. Whaia te mataranga ake tonu atu.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL?

"I love our diverse range of students."
Pawan Kumar, Board of Trustees student representative.

"What I love about the school is the connection that we have with the community."
Jake Hannah, deputy head boy

"I love the school because the teachers really care about us and we have good relationships with them."
Roelien Du Plessis, head girl

"What I like about the school is it is really small but it does really well on a wider scale."
Alison Kindley, deputy head girl

"I love Katikati College because of the relationships with the young and old students."
Cameron Hankin, head boy