A pōwhiri welcomed the new principal Karyn Sadler to Campion College, Gisborne. Video / Anne-Marie de Bruin
Campion College’s new principal Karyn Sadler admitted she was not usually lost for words, but that was the case at a pōwhiri at the school on Monday.
Having been deputy and acting principal at Campion, following a range of other roles, Sadler has officially taken the reins as tumuaki (principal)from Paul McGuinness, who was at the helm for about 30 years.
Sadler is a former student of both Campion College and St Mary’s Catholic primary school, which is located across the road.
At the pōwhiri on Monday morning, Sadler said Campion held “a very special place in her heart” and she was “lost for words” by the welcome.
Students performed a rousing kapa haka and Sadler’s family and friends were among those present.
Sadler acknowledged them and the students, whom she said “everything begins and ends with”.
A time to rejoice was the message conveyed by St Mary’s Star of the Sea parish priest Father Mark Field, who quoted from Psalm 118.
Louise Hyland, deputy principal (left) congratulates the school's new principal Karyn Sadler at a pōwhiri on Monday. Next to Sadler is her husband and Mangapapa School principal Paul Sadler. Photo / Anne-Marie de Bruin
“We rejoice this day and pray in thanksgiving that you have accepted this position,” he said.
McGuinness was also at the pōwhiri and was part of a mere (flat stone weapon) presentation to Sadler.
Campion College principal Karyn Sadler (from left), St Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church parish priest Father Mark Field and former principal Paul McGuinness, holding the mere that was presented to Sadler.
“While it feels quite overwhelming, I’ve been preparing for this step,” Sadler told the Gisborne Herald in August. “I’ve built strong relationships with staff, students and whānau and I feel very confident. I wear a very pastoral hat and I’m a heart-driven person.”
Campion College is a Catholic co-educational school for students from Years 7 to 13. As of October last year, it had a roll of around 470.
