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After 14 years at Red Beach School and 47 years in education, principal Julie Hepburn is stepping away from her role to “begin the next chapter” into her retirement.
Julie has been principal at Red Beach School since 2012, but her teaching career began in Harley Street, Masterton. Over the years, she has worked in a wide range of schools, including Māori and Christian schools, as well as schools with diverse communities.
She says the variety of her experiences has helped keep her open-minded and shaped the way she approaches education.
Julie says one of the greatest privileges of being a principal has been supporting students through both their achievements and their challenges.
When asked what she will miss most, Julie says it is difficult to pick just one thing. She has enjoyed working with students, celebrating their successes and mentoring the staff around her.
“I’ll miss it with joy,” she says.
Her influence has also extended beyond Red Beach School. Former Red Beach deputy principal and current Warkworth School principal Karney Dawson has previously spoken about the life skills he learned from Julie (Mahurangi Matters, January 2024).
Julie is the longest-serving member of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation and has been involved with the organisation’s leadership team in a range of roles, from secretary to chair.
As she prepares to leave, Julie says she is proud to be handing over an “amazing school” and sees retirement as an opportunity to share the love by giving someone else the chance to lead it. The next principal will be one of the founding students, Christina Robertson, who Julie says will be a great fit for the next chapter of the school.
For Julie, retirement will be about taking life without any major plans – or, as she puts it, to “live life as you go”. She is looking forward to more time for golf, gardening and socialising, as well as simply enjoying the next stage of her journey.
