Principal back in the hood

NEW ROLE: Carol Pilcher was appointed at the beginning of term 4 as the new principal at Dalefield School. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The former head of a Featherston school is returning to Wairarapa to take up the helm at Dalefield School in Carterton.

Carol Pilcher took up the post at the beginning of term 4, after previously working as deputy principal at Karori Normal School in Wellington - a school with more than 800 pupils - and before that a nine-year term as principal at St Teresa's School in Featherston.

All four of Mrs Pilcher's now adult children had attended the Featherston school, where she had taught for four years from 1990, before becoming principal there in 2003.

Dalefield School is decile 7 with a school roll of 57 Year 1 to 8 pupils, and was returning to a more even keel after its Board of Trustees was dissolved and a commissioner appointed in March of 2013. The school at that time had 56 pupils and was decile 5. Today, there are three teachers at the school.

The previous principal, Kevin Jephson, had been in the role since 1993 but was fired in December last year as a principal and teacher, and Denise Hancox had been appointed acting principal. Mrs Pilcher said she felt "privileged to lead this school in this exciting and challenging time" and was hoping to help generate "for the children a lot more positive feedback, energy and passion regarding their education".

"The feel of the school, the amazing students and staff, and a wonderful community are 'great' assets to move this school forward," she said.

The semi-rural school is about 6km from central Carterton and is situated "in very pleasant surroundings and provides many educational opportunities for the primary children", Mrs Pilcher said. "Children from around the South Wairarapa are welcome to attend the school."

Dalefield School was founded in 1885, Mrs Pilcher said, and "many of the traditions such as Lamb and Calf day and swimming still play an important part in the life of the school today".

"Swimming was initially in a natural spring on a nearby farm until the pool was opened in 1955 after a tremendous community effort. The pool is still in operation today, although fundraising for such things as a cover and solar panels for heating are on the agenda," she said.