Acting principal appointed to school

13 August 2004

Acting principal appointed to school

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said an acting principal, former Hamilton Boys High School principal Jim Bennett, has been appointed to Cambridge High School.

In addition, specialist education advisor Dennis Finn has been appointed as limited statutory manager (LSM) of the school with effect from August 14th, and has begun advising the board today in an informal capacity.

The appointments follow the resignation of the school's principal Alison Annan and concerns raised by NZQA (the New Zealand Qualifications Authority). During an investigation into assessment at the school, NZQA identified risks to the education of some students and to the operation of the school that needed to be urgently addressed.

"Jim Bennett is highly regarded locally, and Dennis Finn is an experienced limited statutory manager," Trevor Mallard said.

" Dennis Finn will work with the board and will have all the functions and powers of the board as an employer, and manage all communications and relationships within the school and between the school and its community.

"I am advised that the chairperson of the board is already in communication with Dennis who will act in an advisory capacity until he arrives in Hamilton on Monday.

Trevor Mallard said Gail Thomson had also been appointed as an LSM with powers to manage curriculum and assessment practice at the school. She will take up her position on Tuesday.

"As a former principal of Diocesan School for Girls in Auckland, Gail has considerable experience in the implementation of NCEA, and is highly respected.

"Ministry of Education officials have been at the school today to provide support to the board and to the school. I am aware that parents, students and staff will be concerned at these developments but I would like to reassure everyone that the action we have taken today will ensure that the school can proceed positively.

"The interests of students and their education is at the heart of all our actions today and I am confident that these appointments will ensure that a high quality education is delivered to Cambridge students. Classes will continue as per usual on Monday, as will the normal day-to-day operations of the school."

ENDS

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