Marlborough principal to lead federation

Marlborough principal to lead federation

For immediate release

New Zealand Principals’ Federation

15 September 2008

Marlborough principal Ernie Buutveld has recently been elected to lead the New Zealand Principals’ Federation – Nga Tumuaki o Aotearoa in 2009.

After 17 years of being at the helm at Havelock School and having served 7 years on the federation’s national executive, Buutveld is set to take up his new role in the New Year. Apart from the obvious change in view, the change in perspectives will move the lens from micro to macro. Leaving this very special learning community Buutveld says will be hard. Outstanding staff, fantastic children and supportive trustees make Havelock a great school in which to work.

The federation represents the voice of over 2200 of the country’s 2500 school leaders covering integrated, primary, intermediate and secondary schools. It is dedicated to the continuing professional and personal development and support of all New Zealand principals and their schools.

Buutveld will be taking over the role in times that will have only recently been moulded by a general election – a time when the political landscape might well look somewhat different than it does currently. The key issues of the moment facing leaders in schools are centred about administrative support time, principal professional development, special needs particularly and behavioural issues, the provision of ICT and the reduction of compliance. Increasingly the issue of extreme behaviour of students is impacting on Marlborough schools as well Buutveld says. “Whilst my role will be working with other sector groups and crown agencies looking for solutions on a national scale, it is time perhaps for the village of Marlborough to look after its own and seek solutions from within for its children.”

For over 30 years Buutveld has been involved with supporting colleagues through a variety of roles and views this new development as a logical progression. Released by the Havelock School Board of Trustees to carry out the duties of president, Buutveld will travel extensively throughout New Zealand meeting with local and national groups. As a member of the International Confederation of Principals, the NZPF President also travels to a number of countries as an ICP Council member. “The rewards will no doubt be tempered by the workload and challenges. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance will be a challenge in itself,” Buutveld says. He looks forward to periodic visits back to Havelock School and Marlborough to keep things in perspective. It is important that those representing the needs of our schools in Wellington, keep their feet firmly placed in reality.

ENDS

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