14 May 2020 Dear Parents/Students/Whanau,

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Natasha Hemara as principal of Kamo High School. In making this appointment, the Appointment Committee was fortunate to have a very strong field of shortlisted applicants with extensive experience, talent, and expertise to choose from.

Natasha joins us from Rototuna High School in Hamilton, where, as principal for four years, she has shown strong visible leadership and care for the staff and students of that diverse community. She brings 20 years’ experience in education and first-hand knowledge of building a shared vision for learning across the school community. She brings a rich mix of leadership experience, including in building leaders and working collaboratively with teams to develop initiatives that have strengthened outcomes for students and their wellbeing.

Natasha was educated at Whangarei Girls’ High School and she is of Ngati Hau (Kamo/Whakapara) and Te Mahurehure (Hokianga/Waima) descent. She is returning home to her turangawaewae. Natasha understands contemporary curriculum issues and opportunities and her work is at the cutting edge of developments in teaching and learning. She has a proven skillset in the creative use of learning environments and leading learning with digital technologies. In her current role as principal, she has led the design of a highly personalised and culturally responsive curriculum that is community-focused and centred on both academic and personal success. It is a curriculum that acknowledges the voice of whānau and students to determine pathways, both academic and vocational, to life beyond school. She has consistently demonstrated a clear commitment to keeping students at the heart of all her decisions.

We are confident that, particularly as you get to know Natasha, you will share our excitement about her appointment and the energy and leadership she will bring to Kamo High School. She is looking forward to the establishment of the new board of trustees in term 3 and working alongside the board to implement the recently updated charter. Natasha will be formally welcomed to school on Monday 20^thJuly at the beginning of term 3.

Until then, Allister Gilbert will continue as acting principal. We are enormously grateful for his hard work and dedication to the staff and students during his time at Kamo High School. His calm leadership, especially during the lockdown period, is both exemplary and appreciated by our school community. We know that the school is in good hands as we work over the next few months to ensure a smooth handover to Natasha as principal.

Tunney McFadyen

Commissioner