It was a case of coming back to his roots for Richard Stanton yesterday when he was welcomed as the new principal of Pompallier Catholic College.
A powhiri was performed by students to formally welcome the Kaitaia native from Garin College in Nelson, where he served as the assistant principal for
five years.
Mr Stanton received his primary education in Kaitaia before moving to Sacred Heart College in Auckland.
Since then, the only time he came to Northland was in 1975 during a school retreat.
He met five people yesterday morning who were associated with his family and whanau.
"I've had a good welcome, the staff have been extremely helpful and the board of trustees have been superb in terms of offering their support," Mr Stanton said.
He intends to focus his attention on areas within the teaching curriculum the school board has identified, such as achievement of Maori students.
Mr Stanton said he would also ensure the special character of the school was upheld and that teachers were oriented with Teaching New Zealand Curriculum (2007).
"My big thing is discerning how students are learning and understanding how teachers are teaching."
His first impression of Pompallier after learning of his new appointment was a positive one because he knew the school and its earlier history.
He has only one regret.
"It's the first time I am not in a classroom.
"I miss teaching and it's the aspect of direct involvement with students that I probably won't be able to do."
Pompallier College has a role of 570 students.
