Two of the Upper Clutha’s smallest schools have welcomed new principals this term.

Rachel Brown, former chair of the Wānaka Community Board, has been appointed principal of Makarora Primary School. Rachel has been teaching at Pūrākaunui School near Dunedin for the past two years, and Hāwea Flat School prior to that.

Board chair Danyel Watson said the board undertook an extensive recruitment process and Rachel “had all the attributes we were looking for”.

“We’re really excited to have her on board.”  

Rachel Brown

There are currently 12 children (years one to six) from six families attending Makarora School. The school employs a teaching principal, a part time teacher and a part-time teacher’s aide.

Nigel Nicholl served as principal from January 2021 until the end of last term.

Former Tarras School principal Rachelle Hargreaves is moving to Oamaru to become an education advisor for the Ministry of Education, Otago North.

She is being succeeded by Alice Casey, who started in the role on Monday (October 9).

“Alice has come to us from Invercargill and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from both overseas and her time spent in New Zealand,” board chair Clementine Wallace said.

“We are very excited to see where she will lead Tarras School on the next leg of its journey.”

Rachelle was principal from 2017 and has seen the roll grow from six to 22.

School upgrades in the past six years include a toilet rebuild, new tennis court turf, a tunnel house, and a relining of the swimming pool. 

“Tarras School is a very special place to be the principal of, it is made up of wonderful students, a great parent community and a hard working wider community,” Rachelle said. “I wish Alice all the best in taking Tarras School forward on the next part of its journey.”

PHOTOS: Supplied