New head already had eye on school

Elizabeth Terrey (left), Leo Jones, Gemma Kearse-Rogerson, Emmy Petherick and Cara Benseman help new principal Ross Harvey settle in at Kai Iwi School. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

New Kai Iwi School principal Ross Harvey used to drive past the school every day of term on his way to Waitotara School where he was principal for seven years.

"I live in Wanganui and I was used to the time and distance but it will be nice to live closer to work.

"I decided to apply for this job because I really like the staff here - they are a very experienced and highly-skilled team."

Former Kai Iwi principal Stephen Johnston left for a new post in Auckland at the beginning of last term and Graham Conner has been acting principal.

Mr Harvey said the travel is not the only change he will need to adjust to, he will not have a teaching role at Kai Iwi as he did at Waitotara.

"I got to know all the children and their families so well at Waitotara and I look forward to getting to know everyone here - the school has such a nice feel to it.

"The classrooms are bright and well-organised and the grounds are beautiful - I love rural schools."

Mr Harvey said he came to teaching later in life and went to Teachers College as a mature student in Wellington.

"I have 10 years' experience now and small country schools are definitely my preference because you can build such good relationships with students and their families."

Kai Iwi school currently has 98 students on the roll and the four full-time-equivalent positions will increase to five when the roll reaches 100.

The school has a committed Parent Teacher Association and they rallied to save the school pool by fund-raising and providing time and labour during the summer holidays.

Mr Harvey lives in Wanganui with his family.