New principal appointed at Aquinas College

Matthew Dalton, the current deputy principal at Rotorua Boys' High School, has been appointed the new principal of Aquinas College.

Mr Dalton, 36, takes over as principal from departing Aquinas principal Ray Scott at the start of term one next year.

His appointment was announced to college staff and student representatives by Board of Trustees chairman Scott Kahle at a special morning tea at the College on Friday.

Mr Kahle said the recruitment and appointment process had been lengthy and "very robust" and he was delighted to welcome Mr Dalton on board.

The recruitment process included watching him in action at Rotorua Boys' High where he has been a successful leader since 2010, including four years as deputy principal, he said.

Mr Kahle said the board was impressed by Mr Dalton's strong record of success, including initiating and embedding changes that had led to improved outcomes for students.

"Matt's strengths include leading curriculum and review, developing teaching practices, building collaboration, implementing initiatives around digital technologies, and determining a future-focused vision. He is strongly motivated to lead our school and inspire our students and staff, " he said.

Mr Kahle said Mr Dalton's strong Catholic faith also fitted with the character of the school and he stood out among the other four candidates, including three from out of district.

We also looking forward to welcoming Matt's wife Kelly and their two sons to the Aquinas College family. I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge Mr Scott for his seven years of leadership of the college," he said.

Mr Dalton said he was used to standing up and speaking in front of a whole school, but it was a bit nerve-wracking speaking to the packed staff room with so many new faces.

"Before my appointment, I did some due diligence to check whether there were any unknown skeletons in the school's closet," he quipped.

"There were none which is possibly rare but I 'm very excited to be joining this school and I want to pay tribute to Ray for his leadership of the college which I know has been exemplary. Thank you for this opportunity and I hope I can live up to his standards."

Lower Hutt-born Mr Dalton has been married to wife Kelly for seven years, and they have two sons - Jonno, 5, and 3-year-old Oliver.

His wife is a teacher at Western Heights High School in Rotorua.

Mr Dalton was educated at Catholic primary and secondary schools in Lower Hutt, Tauranga and Rotorua before graduating from the University of Otago with an honours degree in Physical Education and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching.

Mr Dalton recently completed a postgraduate qualification in Digital and collaborative practice through Mind Lab in association with Unitec.

He was awarded the NEXT Expert Teacher Award as top graduate.

A keen sportsman, with a special interest in hockey, golf and running, he has
represented Midlands in the National Hockey League and completed an Ironman.