Flaxmere College board appoints new school principal

Jim Hay-Mackenzie has been the acting principal at the school since the start of the year. Photo / Supplied

The current acting principal of Flaxmere College has been appointed school principal by the school's Board of Trustees.

Jim Hay-Mackenzie has been working as the acting principal since the start of the year and prior to that was deputy principal for eight years.

Board chairperson Taime Pareanga Samuel, QSM says Jim has led the school with a "cool and calm demeanour" especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and has always had the health and wellbeing of the students at the centre of his decision making.

"Jim brings a genuine manner, straight forward approach and passion as an educator. He places great importance on diversity and inclusiveness within the school.

"We believe he has the vision to build on our existing strengths and the skills required to guide us into the future of education for our students. He is a strong asset for our school and wider community."

Jim says he is "humbled and excited" to be appointed principal and is looking forward to working with the school community to "build on the success of Flaxmere College".

"We have a remarkable group of students and I will do all I can to help them achieve their potential."

The school announced the decision on Wednesday, September 23.

Work ahead for Jim includes the beginning of the $23 million school rebuild.

The previous principal Louise Anaru who had been in the role since 2010, resigned at the end of 2019 to become the principal at Kaitaia College.