New principal can't wait for school to start

Matthew Bertram

As his first day of school draws near, Napier Boys' High School's new principal Matthew Bertram is "absolutely excited".

"I'm really excited to have this opportunity and come up to Hawke's Bay, and get involved with the community," he said.

"I really hope I can contribute to [Napier Boys'] legacy."

Mr Bertram would be starting his new job next week, with plenty of time before the students returned for term one.

Having been the senior school principal of Scots College since 2011 and working at two Auckland Schools before that, Mr Bertram said he was feeling prepared for his new role.

"All communities have their differences but at the end of the day boys are boys ... I've worked in a range of schools and that doesn't change wherever you are," Mr Bertram said.

While education was a challenging environment which had become more complex over the years, Mr Bertram said the most important things had stayed the same.

"Keeping kids engaged at school and giving them qualifications they can use in the workforce, and contribute to society with, that's what's important.

"I'm hoping we can work to create all sorts of opportunities for the boys."

Mr Bertram said he really loved the emphasis Napier Boys placed on academic and co-curricular activities, which he thought gave the school a fantastic reputation.

He had been appointed to replace retiring principal Ross Brown, and Mr Bertram admitted to have already picked the brain of his predecessor who was at the helm of the school for 18 years.

"He's given me a few suggestions on what to do on day one.

"I'm really looking forward to getting my feet under the desk."

During his last week in Wellington, Mr Bertram would be packing up his home with the help of his wife and their four primary school-aged children.

They too were pretty excited to be moving up to the region.

Mr Bertram said: "You can't beat Wellington on a good day, but Hawke's Bay has plenty of those."