‘‘Focus is about making the school engaging, effective and community orientated, while the fun is about sending children, and hopefully staff home with a smile on their face, enjoying each day,’’ he says.
Roger has been appointed principal of Cheviot Area School, and starts his new position on the first day of Term 4.
Being in the school environment is what Roger has missed while taking time out from teaching to become the Hurunui District Council’s Community Development Facilitator.
He has been working with communities in Hurunui on vision, engagement, projects and funding.
‘‘It was just like being a principal, but on a wider scale,’’ Roger says. He has spent some spare days relief teaching at Pegasus Bay ‘‘which continues to be an absolute joy’’.
‘‘Being out of the game either makes you thankful, or makes you realise how much you miss it.
‘‘As time has gone on, mine is definitely the latter.’’
After four years out doing community-based work he is ‘‘itching’’ to get back into education’’.
Roger has been a principal for over 30 years, previously at Waihaorunga, Waikari, Amberley Schools, and latterly, Waikuku School before it merged with Pegasus Bay School, which Roger helped design and build, and became principal there.
‘‘At Waikuku we had 70 pupils and by the time I left Pegasus Bay we had 440.
‘‘I was incredibly proud of what our great staff, children and Board of Trustees achieved at Pegasus Bay School.
"In 2019 we had a visit from ERO and had an outstanding review, and I knew the school was set up for someone else to come and lead.
‘‘The time was right for the next challenge and working with Hurunui communities was perfect.
“I didn’t see this latest career move to Cheviot Area School coming, but I know it’s going to be a perfect fit and an exciting journey for all of us.
‘‘Now that the appointment news is out, the feedback has been really humbling.
‘‘I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have a career where I can continue inspiring and challenging children, families and communities.’’
