My Account
After starting her educational career hooking up computers to generators on Great Barrier Island nearly a decade ago, Kerrin Jamieson has landed her dream job as head of a primary school.
Kerrin, who has sent both of her own children to Leigh School, has been appointed as the new principal, replacing Julie Turner.
“Getting to know the students, staff and whanau is my first priority. I already have connections with a lot of the staff – I’ve taught their kids or they’ve taught mine.”
She will be familiar to many parents in the area, having taught at Mahurangi College for seven years as an intermediate teacher and, more recently, at Warkworth School with a Year 5 class.
In her role at Mahurangi College, she took on a pastoral care role for four years, which she loved, but felt it was time for a new challenge.
“I have driven past the gate of Leigh School for seven years, wanting to be there. I’ve always wanted to be the principal of a rural seaside school because of the relationships and connections that are made in that environment.”
Kerrin has a postgraduate diploma in digital and collaborative learning from Auckland University of Technology’s Mind Lab, and says she is passionate about using technology to improve student outcomes.
At Warkworth School, Kerrin started a successful robotics and coding club.
Kerrin says during her time in education, teaching has changed to look more at big ideas like sustainability and consumerism. Meanwhile, collaboration between teachers has become more of a focus.
“My teaching philosophy is strong relationships and high expectations. I also believe in culturally responsive pedagogy for an increasingly diverse population.”
Mrs Turner has been appointed principal of Waipu Primary School.
