The new principal at St Mary's School in Carterton spent his first day in class yesterday.
Tim Nelson took up the reins at St Mary's School, a decile 6 primary school, after spending the past five years as deputy principal at Lakeview School in Masterton. He had earlier served two years as principal of Wainuioru School.
The pupils held a powhiri for Mr Nelson ahead of classes yesterday, performing action songs and traditional waiata.
He told the assembled pupils, the school's four teachers and a small band of parents at the powhiri that his welcome was a sincere and stirring echo of his emotional send-off from Lakeview School.
"This is going to be an amazing term and an amazing year of many more to come."