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Rodney College students will return to school at the end of this month to find a new name on the principal’s door.
After 11 years leading the school and 40 years in the profession, Irene Symes has retired.
“I want to find out what else I can do, and put my energy into, while I still can,” she said. “I have plans to travel around Aotearoa and abroad, volunteer locally in environmental projects where needed and make inroads on the huge pile of books that I’ve acquired over the years.
“I have had a very rewarding time as principal at Rodney College and will miss the students and staff hugely.”
Symes’ replacement is former James Cook High School deputy principal Laurence Caltaux, who will be officially welcomed with a pōwhiri on February 3.
Laurence was invited to introduce himself …
Your last position was deputy head of James Cook High School – what made you want to shift north?
There were both personal and professional motivations behind my decision to take up the role of principal at Rodney College. James Cook High School has been a significant part of my journey, as it is not only where I served as deputy head but also the community where I was raised and attended primary and intermediate school. My mother still lives in Manurewa, and contributing to the community that shaped me has been really rewarding.
The move to Rodney College offers an exciting opportunity to bring my experience and philosophy to a new context – one that values close community connections and innovative learning pathways, integrates cultural perspectives and local values, demonstrates a commitment to excellence, and shares the belief in the power of schools to transform lives.
Do you have any connections in this district? How familiar are you with Wellsford and Mangawhai?
I have roots in this area – my grandparents farmed on Streamlands Swamp Road, and my parents later took over the land before moving to Manurewa. Later in life, my father lived in Shelly Beach and Parakai, while my mother’s family was based in Whangarei. I’m excited to immerse myself in the Wellsford and Mangawhai communities, and to learn more about the area and what makes it so unique.
Can you give us a brief overview of your teaching career?
I started my teaching career at Liston College in Henderson, teaching English, religious education, and computing, before moving to Sacred Heart College in Glen Innes – first as head of computing, and later as assistant principal. Following this, I held deputy principal roles at Pompallier College in Whangarei, St Paul’s College in Ponsonby, and most recently, James Cook High School. Over the years, I’ve led a wide range of portfolios, including curriculum, pastoral care and operations, with several extended stints as acting principal.
Throughout my career, I’ve been focused on fostering inclusive, student-centred learning environments and leading schools through change and growth, with a strong emphasis on values and building culture.
Outside of education, I spent several years in the corporate sector as a training manager and national learning and development manager, leading learning and development teams across New Zealand.
What do you hope to bring to the school in terms of learning opportunities and ethos?
I aim to build on Rodney College’s strong foundations by prioritising student achievement, community engagement, and a culture of inclusivity. Every student should strive for personal excellence, leaving Rodney College with Level 3 NCEA and University Entrance – whether their pathway is study, sports, arts, trades or employment. Achieving at a Merit or Excellence level should be the goal. Our school size means we can focus on individuals and know our students, which makes the difference.
I also want to bring a continued commitment to resourcing and supporting staff to provide a well-rounded education, with opportunities for students to participate in leadership development, cultural activities like kapa haka and music, sports, and community service as part of their growth. Incorporating these into the junior diploma for Year 9 and 10 is something to investigate.
I believe schools enrol families, not just students. Engaging families – through coaching, work experience, sharing expertise, or simply sitting down for some food and a cup of tea – creates the partnerships that make a real difference. The values of Rodney College are really explicit and reflect what kind of community we want to be. I’ll encourage everyone, staff and students, to embrace our shared responsibility in making Rodney College a positive and rewarding place to learn and work.
Do you have any specific areas of interest in education?
I did a postgraduate certificate in applied practice (digital and collaborative learning) in 2014 and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary School Leadership through Victoria University in 2021. I’m passionate about integrating technology into teaching and learning where it adds value – data, as they say, is a great disinfectant, bringing clarity to what works and what doesn’t. I also have a growing interest in AI and its potential to transform many aspects of our students’ lives.
Equally important to me is culturally responsive leadership – ensuring every student’s identity, language and culture is celebrated and reflected throughout their education. Communities need to see their values represented in all parts of the school, and I’ll prioritise regular engagement to ensure we’re getting this right. Indicators like low attendance or achievement often signal when a community’s connection to a school needs strengthening, and addressing this is vital to fostering success.
What are your interests outside of school?
Family is central to much of what I do. My wife Rachel and I met in school and are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this year. We have four children, all following different paths. Our eldest is a pilot based in Samoa, our second is starting her BSc Honours in neurology in Dunedin, our third is entering his second year of a property degree at Auckland University, and our youngest is beginning Year 11 at Green Bay High School. We enjoy spending time together, whether supporting their sports or connecting with extended family. My 96-year-old mother-in-law, Ruth, also lives with us, adding to our family.
Outside of family, I enjoy sports, fishing and music. Giving back to the community is deeply important to me, and I value opportunities to make meaningful contributions.
What would you like to say to the school community here?
I’m excited to join the Rodney College whānau and look forward to working closely with staff, students, and families to ensure every young person feels valued and supported. Together, we can build on the school’s proud legacy and create even greater opportunities for our students. I encourage the community to connect with me – I’m here to listen, collaborate and grow alongside them. I look forward to meeting everyone in the coming year.
I would also like to acknowledge Irene Symes and the work she has done and wish her well with her endeavours this year.
