Ian Hastie, who has previously worked as a principal throughout Wellington and the Wairarapa, will take up the position at the start of term three. He was appointed by current commissioner Gabrielle Wall.
In May, the Ministry of Education dissolved the school’s board of trustees and appointed Dr Wall to replace the board.
Earlier in May principal Susan Dennison announced her resignation on a Facebook post.
In the video Mrs Dennison said after 20 years of leading the school she would leave for another position in Dunedin: principal of Tainui School.
The highlight of her time had been the success of students, she said.
The school would have the opportunity to ‘‘have a bright and shiny new leader and leadership direction’’ and was ‘‘an opportunity for someone to create their own gold here’’.
The Ministry of Education had been asked to support the school as it moved forward and was developing a plan of how that would happen.
‘‘We don’t have enough members on our board or experience to lead this next part of what needs to happen.’’
Mrs Dennison is due to start at Tainui School in term three.
The Ministry of Education determined that a commissioner was required to provide governance stability and to support the school through a period of transition.
‘‘My role is to ensure the school is well governed, well led, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for students.’’
Her immediate focus was to meet staff, students, whānau and the wider community, and develop a clear understanding of the school’s strengths, challenges and priorities.
‘‘Over the coming months, I want to spend time listening to people, understanding what matters most to them, and working together on the next steps.’’
She believed Mataura School had many strengths and a community that cared deeply about its future.
She looked forward to working with the school community to build on those strengths.
‘‘Schools are at their best when families have confidence in them, students feel a sense of belonging, and staff are well-supported to do their best work.’’
At this stage, both governance and leadership were important considerations.
She would support the school through the appointment of a permanent principal, while also considering the pathway back to the establishing of a board of trustees.
In a June 11 Facebook post, Mr Hastie said he was a former student of the school and was looking forward to returning.
‘‘It is a special opportunity to give something back to a community that supported my family in so many ways while we lived in Albion St.’’
