New principal's focus on equal opportunities

Robin Fabish will start as Tamatea High School's principal in September. Photo / Supplied

Te Aute College co-deputy principal Robin Fabish has been announced as Tamatea High School's new principal.

Arriving in Hawke's Bay in 2004 to do a six-month Te Reo Maori course, Mr Fabish and his family loved the climate, the people and region so much that the planned return to Wellington was cancelled.

He took a position teaching Science at the Te Ara Hou Kura Kaupapa Maori before moving to a role as a middle manager and Te Reo teacher at Napier Boys' High School.

Mr Fabish was on the board of trustees, worked as a dean, hostel master and rugby coach before his promotion to co-deputy principal at Te Aute College.

"I'd like to think that I have made a positive contribution to Te Aute and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to be a part of such an historical school," Mr Fabish said.

He was looking forward to working with the Tamatea community to build on the good work that had been done over the last few years.

"I am particularly attracted by the whanau focus of Tamatea High School.

"Families are supposed to stick by each other through good times and bad times; to help each other to learn about life and achieve their goals. They care for and are committed to each other.

"I strongly believe that this is what our schools need to be about.

"The research is clear, the biggest impact on learning in our schools is the quality of teaching - not streaming, not smaller classes, nor school type."

Mr Fabish recently completed his Master of Education thesis which focused on equitable achievement in educational institutions.

He also coaches the successful Te Aute College 1st XV who are on track to achieve their goal of winning the Unison Cup final.

He has participated in the Iron Maori Half Ironman every year since the event began - four times as an individual.

In addition, he has completed the Rotorua Marathon and the 70km Queen Charlotte Track walk.

Mr Fabish will begin his new role on September 21.