Rangataua principal leaves

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 13, 25 August 1987, Page 4

Rangataua principal leaves

This Friday Rangataua School loses its principal, Peter Miller, who has opted for marriage and a year's leave of absence from teaching to travel. Mr Miller began teaching in the Waimarino at Ngamatea School, Kakatahi in 1982. At the beginning of 1985 he took up the position of principal and senior teacher at Rangataua School. He is originally from Auckland were he trained at the North Shore teacher's college. Mr Miller has taught at various primary schools in New Zealand, as well as in England and Australia teaching children from new entrant level up to form two. He was full of praise for the work done by Ran-

gataua's school committee, who he said were very supportive and cooperative in meeting the school's needs. For equipment Rangataua School ranks with the best with a video recorder, photocopier and a brand new swimming pool. Before the construction of the pool the children were forced to use the Mangateitei Stream or else travel to Waiouru Community Pool, Mr Miller said. He was responsible for implementing the school's fitness programme which has included participation in the national 'Jump rope for heart' programme. Mr Miller said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time as principal. He described the Rangataua children as "highly receptive, keen to learn and well disciplined, the best I've ever come across in a school."

The school has enjoyed success in various fields in recent years, with children excelling in sports activities and more recently, in the Waimarino region science fair, where they took first place. Mr Miller said parents play an important part in ensuring the success of various school activities. "We have 100 percent participation by parents in all aspects of school life," he said. One of the highlights for him was the school's trip to Wellington in May last year for the Children's Literary Awards, which was attended by all 38 pupils. Mr Miller is unsure what he will do when he returns to New Zealand but is keen to take a break from teaching. His replacement at Rangataua School is still to be officially announced.