Promotion for Raetihi principal

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 520, 25 January 1994, Page 7

Promotion for Raetihi principal

Raetihi School's new principal Grant Fountain has accepted a 'definite promotion' in taking on his new challenge. He was previously deputy principal at Papamoa Primary School near Mount Maunganui, where his wife Marie was also teaching. Mrs Fountain takes on a job teaching . Form One children at Waiouru. Mr Fountain said he has no great plans for Raetihi School - he's not a 'new broom' . "I don't envisage any problems. I want to make sure we all work for the same cause, to make sure our school is seen as a happy place - but not complacent - for teachers and pupils." He said he has seen things that are unusual at Raetihi School but that looking into why things are done a certain way, he could see why. Taking a part in the emotional, physical and social as well as intellectual development of primaryschool aged children is what he enjoys. Moving from the warmth of Papamoa to the cooler Raetihi climate doesn't bother the Fountains, as they have lived in various parts of the King Country as well as in Ontario and near Edinburgh, Scotland. They both workedoneducational exchanges, to Canada in 1991 for one year, and to Scotland in 1984, also for one year. Although the exchange

work was stressful, learning about new systems and cultures while on the job, they feel they were 'doubly lucky' . Not many countries allow both partners to teach on such exchanges.

One of their interests, which has gro wn out of their travels, is entertaining visitors. Mrs Fountain said they usually have visitors at least once a month come to stay

- either friends they have met in the past, or friends of friends. "It makes you get out and make the most of your environment when you have people come to stay."