HE'S BACK: Russell Thompson will be the new principal of Masterton Intermediate School, from which he resigned as deputy principal in 2011. He is pictured at his 2011 farewell, with former student Reno Pourau. PHOTO/FILE
Russell "Mr T" Thompson is returning to Masterton Intermediate School as principal.
MIS Board of Trustees chairman Mark Brown said Mr Thompson would take the helm at the school on July 21.
"We went through the process we had for selection and Mr Thompson was the best applicant."
Mr Thompson left as deputy principal at MIS in 2011 to take up a post as principal of Tokoroa Intermediate School.
His departure coincided with the stepping down of his friend and 21-year MIS head Frazer Mailman.
Mr Mailman was appointed acting principal this year, after Kara Mason resigned from the position.
Mr Brown said the board had been fortunate to have Mr Mailman as acting principal and his help was invaluable.
"He's been our go-to man several times of late and it's great to have that experience to call upon."
A second person trapped on the cliff was rescued by emergency services.