Local Focus: Otumoetai College Principal admits to shedding a tear

Four schools in Tauranga have new leaders this year.

Principals can make all the difference to the atmosphere among staff and students, and the school's success as a result. So what difference will these new heads make?

In this series, Local Focus video journalist Jaden McLeod meets the new principals and asks what passions drive them to bring out the best in their young people.

Russell Gordon spent six years as principal of Mount Maunganui College. This year, he took up a new role at Otumoetai College - taking over from retiring principal Dave Randell.

"I remember in November last year, being handed over to my new school. It was a powhiri, I was standing with students from my previous college," Gordon said.

"A tear trickled down my face as I realised I was standing there with people I love, being given away to people I don't know."

"I do this job because I love working with young people and seeing them achieve great things. At that moment, I realised I will learn to love my new school because my purpose will never change."

He spoke to Local Focus about the challenges of transitioning from one Tauranga school to another.

"Otumoetai College is my family's community college. My children went here. I felt it was time to give back to the community that has made us feel welcome."

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