Hastings Girls' High School's new principal ready for next step in career

NEW PRINCIPAL: Geraldine Travers (Left), current Hastings Girls' Principal will hand over the reins to Catherine Bentley at the beginning of term two next year. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

Despite 27 years of teaching experience, it's all about next year for Catherine Bentley, as she steps into the principal role at Hastings Girls' High School.

Mrs Bentley will say goodbye to the girls at Woodford House in April, where she has been deputy principal for five years - going on to become only the fifth principal in Hastings Girls' 60-year history.

It is by far the highlight of her career.

"I made the decision to further my career in principalship a little while ago and I felt that this was going to be the best match for my skills.

"I'm delighted I got the job, but it was not something I walked into expecting. It was a decision from my heart to apply and I certainly feel very humbled to have gotten the role."

She said it was a privilege to pick up the "baton" from Geraldine Travers.

"It's very special because I know that she's obviously dedicated a lot of her life to the school and the legacy she's leaving is extraordinary.

"It's wonderful because I know that Geraldine won't just disappear and I am really fortunate to have that wealth of expertise not too far away."

Mrs Bentley said both Woodford and Hastings Girls' have a culture of excellence and high expectation.

"Both of them put the girl in the centre of everything that they do and that's what drives them, and they also both punch above their weight academically."

She has taught at multiple schools around New Zealand, including 15 years in the primary sector and then 12 years in secondary education.

Prior to Woodford, she was deputy principal at Hauraki Plains College for about eight years - her former childhood stomping ground.

"I started teaching because it was around people, working with people, loving children and loving the idea of bringing out the best in people."

Mrs Bentley is also studying towards her Masters in educational management and leadership, something she says she might have to put on hold next year.

Her eldest daughter, Traleenah, is studying to become a teacher, the fifth generation to do so in the family.

Long-standing Hastings Girls' principal Geraldine Travers said her replacement was the right person for the job.

"I am really excited about it and I had the opportunity to meet some of the applicants who came and had a look around the school, before interviews and short-listing and what have you, and Catherine was my pick."

The newly elected Hastings councillor said she would continue to watch developments in the school with interest.