To new country area for Mainlander

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 274, 14 February 1989, Page 16

To new country area for Mainlander

by

julie

Nation

Orautoha School's new Principal, Diane Napper, admits to being a bit of a countrv sirl at heart.

For the former 'Mainlander' the biggest adjustment has been making the transition to a new

school after a five year teaching stint in South Otago. While the scenery of the Waimarino may be

different Diane maintains that the atmosphere that typifys rural schools is the same. "The kids are genuine, honest, keen to learn - really lovely, and the community is the same," she said, Time has been needed to adjust to a school that boasts a role of less than 20 pupiis and one classroom which, according to Diane, has its advantages. "Having the seniors and juniors in the one class means the kids learn consideration for others. When we need another room the cloakroom doubles as a teaching space and on fine days we go outdoors." With ten years' teaching behind her, Diane is thrilled with her first position as principal. She is doubly happy to have been appointed to Orautoha from the four schools she applied for in the South Island, with family nearby in Wellington and friends living in Raetihi. One such acquaintance is Raetihi School Principal Doug McLean who was formerly

i principal of Clutha Valley School - the same school she was employed at. So what's the attraction of the Waimarino? For Diane who is a keen tramper and outdoor person, it was the

opportunity to be within travelling distance of a National Park and top-class ski facilities. While a newcomer to the slopes she is keen to this year "give it a go." She has travelled

extensively overseas, for a large part trarnping between destinations. Diane will be aiming to foster a closer association between Orautoha School and some of the larger

schools in the Waimarino in an attempt to familiarise pupiis, thus making the transition from a small country school to a highly populated secondary school, less traumatic.