A new chapter is under way at Ōpōtiki College with the arrival of principal Glenn Phipps.

Stepping into the role at the start of Term 2, Mr Phipps was formally welcomed with a pōwhiri that he felt reflected the strength of the community he now leads.

“The mana, the warmth and the pride in our kura were deeply felt,” he said in his first letter to whānau. “It was a reminder that Te Kāreti o Ōpōtiki stands on strong foundations – of people, of place, and of purpose.”

Those foundations are being tested and reshaped at the same time. Across the school grounds, a major redevelopment project is steadily transforming the campus.

New learning spaces, upgraded infrastructure and culturally designed outdoor areas are beginning to take shape, replacing buildings that in recent years had been deemed no longer fit for purpose.

While construction continues, learning has adapted. Temporary classrooms sit alongside building zones, and some students have spent time learning off-site in the community, including at local marae and neighbouring kura.

For Mr Phipps, those changes are not something to shy away from, but something to lead through.

“The rebuilding has been a long-time disruption and having the students spread around has been difficult, but the completion will be a large part of the transformation of the college and we are looking forward to it” he said

With over 10 years as principal of Woodlands School (Te Akatārere), Mr Phipps is a familiar face in the community bringing experience and local connection to the role. With a background that includes leadership across the region and a Master of Education focused on Māori education, his appointment has been described by board chair Danny Paruru as a “turning point” for the college.

Already, signs of his approach are visible. A renewed focus on consistent teaching practice has been introduced across classrooms, alongside clearer expectations for students. Initiatives such as “Straight into Learning” aim to maximise time in class, while new professional development in structured literacy signals a push to lift achievement across the board.

“We are very grateful to the Ministry for funding the structured Literacy professional development; it is a big part of the standards we wish to set and how we wish to move forward. As in any school, problems will pop up but as long as we are solution focused, set standards and provide support we will weather them.”

Yet beyond the systems and strategies, Mr Phipps’ message has centred on people and ensuring every student is known, supported, and challenged to succeed.

“For parents and the community at large the first thing I ask is to get the kids to school, encourage them. They can’t learn if they are not here and we are all in this together. Once they are here, we can provide the structures and support and will do whatever we can to increase the crucial engagement with learning to get them ahead,” he said

As scaffolding rises and new spaces emerge, so too does a renewed sense of direction. Change is visible across the college and with Mr Phipps at the helm, there is growing confidence that the kura is in steady, capable hands, ready to move forward with purpose. In his own words, there are “exciting times ahead”.