Rotorua principals learn of changes

SPEAKER: A Roots of Empathy representative presents to the Rotorua Principals' Association. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 040914BF13

The Rotorua Principals' Association has met to discuss strategic planning and hear updates for key education initiatives in Rotorua.

The meeting, held on Thursday, involved presentations from keynote speaker Rob Hamill, the new Bay of Plenty education director Ezra Schuster, and representatives from Roots of Empathy, Excel Rotorua, and Inspiring Communities.

Dane Robertson from the Western Bay of Plenty region and John Coulan from the Waikato region also spoke about how their principals' associations operated.

Mr Schuster took up his position in July following a Ministry of Education decision to increase the number of regional directors nationwide from four to 10.

Rotorua was previously in the central North Island region but has moved into a smaller region alongside Whakatane, Taupo and Tauranga schools.

Mr Schuster held breakfast meetings with principals in early August and on Thursday talked about what his role involved and the support he would provide to all schools.

"We should be able to assist and support the schools, and if we can't, we will find the person who can. It is not the school's job to click through the Ministry of Education website in order to find the person they need to speak to."

The principals viewed Brother Number One, a documentary about Rob Hamill's brother who was murdered by members of the Khmer Rouge in 1978.