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There will be something of a scale adjustment needed for Tapora School’s new principal when she starts in the role at the start of Term 4 next month.
Until September 27, Bex Thompson was team leader of 90 Year 5 students and three staff at Warkworth School, but where she is going, the total roll is just 17 children and two part-time teachers.
She says while it will certainly be different to what she’s used to, she can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve always wanted to lead a small school, so I can still teach as well as lead,” Thompson says. “This seemed the right time and a great opportunity.”
She is keen to attract more families to the school, which forms the hub of the tiny Kaipara Harbour community on the Okahukura Peninsula, more than 30km west of Wellsford.
“There’s a new subdivision going in over the road from the school and there are quite a few workers coming in to work on the avocado fields. Although there’s not a huge population, students can still funnel in from Wellsford and the surrounding areas,” she says.
“I really want to grow the school and grow the technology side so they’re a bit more connected with the world, and want to get Tapora known out there.”
Thompson says the locals have been very welcoming and she’s looking forward to making the school even more of a focal point for families.
“There is a lovely Board of Trustees, they’ve been very open and welcoming. They’re very family based and really involved with the school,” she says.
“I’m excited to get the community and local iwi involved in the school and really make it the hub of the community.”
Thompson hails from Te Atatu, West Auckland and started her working life as a hairdresser, but once she moved into training future stylists realised that teaching was her first love.
“Then, just after having my second son, realised I loved learning with kids, so I became a teacher – it’s been an amazing change,” she says. “I love kids in all their many shapes, behaviours and needs.”
She taught at Hobsonville for 10 years before moving to Warkworth four and a half years ago.
Thompson says while sad at leaving her Warkworth classes, she is excited to get to know her new Tapora students and the challenges ahead.
“Though I think staff meetings might be a bit quiet – there were 32 teachers at Warkworth!” she says.
A powhiri to welcome Thompson and new part-time teacher Linda Hardman will be held at the start of next term on October 14.
Thompson replaces Keryl Lee, who retired in June after nearly nine years as principal.
