Opihi College Canterbury

Tumuaki | Principal. U5

With new learning spaces being opened recently along with an extensive renovation programme, our college is looking smart. Inside the classrooms, NCEA is delivered with all the changes required, our curriculum in Y9 & 10 offers students the opportunity to design their own learning around their interests/needs while Y7 & 8 follow a mix of homeroom for ‘integrated subjects’ and specialist subjects.

The school name, Opihi, when translated from Māori, means to ‘spring forth’ which seems apt for us as we prepare our rangatahi for whatever lies ahead for them. We are now seeking a new tumuaki to ‘spring forth’ and guide our students into the future!

South Canterbury is a safe and fantastic place in which to live, work and play. There are rivers, beaches, lakes and mountains all within easy reach for fishing, swimming, climbing, tramping, skiing, boating and more.

Our students, staff and parents have told us they have confidence and pride in the school. They want a leader who will be active in promoting this both internally and externally.

Other common qualities they wish to see in our tumuaki are:

• People-focused, friendly and approachable
• A strong and effective communicator
• Will be visible and involved in what the students are doing
• Is culturally responsive and committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We have a roll of 301 and are predicting to reach 310+ in the immediate future thanks to large intakes coming from contributing schools. We are staffed at 27.95 and have a total teaching and support staff of 52.

There’s a lot to be positive about. This truly is an opportunity for a leader with a desire to grow us into the school of choice for the Temuka township and surrounding areas while enjoying a lifestyle in one of NZ’s most attractive regions.