Lynmore Primary School held a pohiri to welcome our principal Hinei Taute last week. Photo / Supplied
A pōhiri at Lynmore Primary was held for Taute last week, and she spent the final day of Term 3 playing games and enjoying a hangi with Whakarewarewa staff and students.
"It has been an amazing journey," Taute said.
She felt "pride and admiration" seeing students demonstrating school values of honesty, empathy and respect on her final day.
"Growing good people is what we have been all about here. In the classroom they work hard, they just want to step up and meet the mark for themselves.
"I am very proud and content."
Taute, who previously worked at Rotorua Intermediate for 13 years, said she was looking forward to taking the lead at a bigger school.
"I know at Lynmore we will have challenges," she said.
The school, located in the Eastern suburbs of Rotorua, had a roll size of 605 students in 2020.
She would prioritise student agency and wellbeing in her new role, reiterating the importance of providing young people with the "tools of life" they need to navigate society.
"It is about keeping education up to the play so we are giving them the skills to navigate their way successfully through problem-solving and making good choices.
"Everything has got to be about wellbeing first. Because without being well... how are you supposed to learn? There are so many societal challenges out in our community right now."
She believed she would bring a "real passion for education, student engagement, and equitable practice across the school" to the role.
"With support, we can help you get better at your strengths, and not get stressed out about what you can't do. Enhance what you have got, and celebrate that."
Taute, who is married to a police officer, has five children aged 3, 10, 13, 20 and 23.
Hinei Taute's final day at Whakarewarewa School was on the last day of Term 3. Photo / Andrew Warner
Despite the short break between roles, she had booked in "a few days away" with whānau during the school holidays.
"I am looking forward to having some downtime with them."
She said her whānau was taking a "team approach" to support her during this time of transition.
"They all wrap-around, and help out. They know this is a time of transition for mum."
"Luckily we work in together, and we get what we need to done."
Regular early morning gym sessions and weekend walks with whānau were important to keep her stress levels low.
"I like to be at the gym at 5am. I have a good hour of me time.
"I just do it for my own wellbeing. I do it to so I can feel as fresh as I possible.
"Our kids love the outdoors, so when we can on the weekends that is where we are."
While Taute's final day at Whakarewarewa was "one of sadness" but she said she left with a "sense of contentment" knowing she had achieved her goals.
"It has been a learning experience for not only myself and all our kaiako here, we have worked hard together."
