Harvey at helm

Marion Harvey. PHOTO/ELI HILL

ELI HILL
[email protected]

Makoura College’s Marion Harvey will lead the school for the next two terms after the departure of Paul Green.

Harvey began her role as deputy principal of the 290-pupil college in November last year on the day Green resigned from his job.

“None of us had any knowledge, but he made the right decision for him,” she said.

“His father is 94 and needs 24/7 care. His father is under the care of his brother so Paul wants to spend time with his dad and his family.

“It was a bit daunting and exciting, but I’ve had extensive experience as a deputy principal at Otorohanga College. I was there for 12 years as a deputy principal and just loved the small community.”

Before accepting the job, Harvey spent five years as a school relationship manager at New Zealand Qualifications Authority where she worked with about 40 schools in Waikato and later Wairarapa.

“I had large urban single sex schools, private school kura kaupapa Maori, special character schools, and saw a huge wide range of things that were happening.

“I remember thinking if I ever go back into a school how much richer my understanding of not just good practice, but practice that I think we could work on would be.”

Harvey said when she came to Makoura College for her interview, the job felt like the right fit.

“I loved that they were a community-based school, they were trying new things, there’s really progressive staff that aren’t keen to just stick with the status quo.

“It’s not just about qualifications it’s about being connected with the community, facing challenges, and giving our youngsters those real-life skills.”

Harvey said the board of trustees were seeking feedback from the community, students, caregivers, whanau, and iwi to determine qualities they were looking for in a new principal with an aim to have them start in term three this year.