Riverhills School principal Sarah Allen has left the Pakuranga school after 11 years in the job.
Allen told the school community in her final newsletter that she was leaving for a new challenge.
“I’ve had an amazing eleven years serving this community and I am leaving with so many happy memories of my time at the school,” Allen said.
“I have been so lucky to work with such supportive boards and staff who have shared my vision for the school and worked hard to bring that to reality.”
Her last day was the final day of Term 2, on 3 July.
She said it had been an honour that parents had trusted her to lead the school.
“It has been a great honour that our parent community has trusted me to lead the school, knowing that I have always had the best interest of all students at heart,” Allen said.
“Together we’ve achieved so much.”
The school board notified parents of her resignation in March and ran a community survey as part of the appointment process.
Ludwig Worrall-Bader was appointed as the next principal and starts at the beginning of Term 3, on 20 July.
A mihi whakatau to welcome him was held in the school hall on 3 July.
Allen said she had met Worrall-Bader regularly since his appointment to work through school operations and introduce him to staff and students.
“He is an enthusiastic and genuine person, and I am confident that he will lead Riverhills in a positive, people-focused way,” she said.
Board presiding member Georgina Girven acknowledged Allen’s work in the same newsletter.
“On behalf of the school board I would like to acknowledge Mrs Allen for her hard work and dedication that she has put into Riverhills over the past 11 years,” Girven said.
“Her compassion, integrity and drive has seen Riverhills achieve greatly over the past decade.”
“I know our community will all miss her and wish her well on her next journey.”
A farewell for Allen was held at Pakuranga Intermediate on 2 July, open to past and present students, staff and families.
Riverhills School is a Years 1 to 6 primary school on Waikaremoana Place in Pakuranga.
