Hato Petera College's new principal is concerned by the negative slant of the school's latest ERO report.

Old boy John Matthews became head of the Maori Catholic boarding school this year after a succession of interim principals and less than positive ERO findings.

At his welcoming powhiri in February Mr Matthews spoke of his intention to rejuvenate the school and says he's been brought on as somewhat of a change agent.

"We have definitely been through a transition and we are still cleaning up from that time," he says.

"This year is going well, next year is going to be excellent and the year after is going to be even better."

The school has been subjected to four ERO reports out of the normal cycle. In the most recent report a number of areas needing improvement were highlighted such as consistent teaching stan dards and improving literacy and numeracy rates of year 9 and 10 students.

Mr Matthews says there are no factual errors in the report but he is concerned about its level of negativity.

"Our achievements are tracking pretty well and we are well above the average for Maori," he says.

"Students work from 6am to 10 at night, we're really focusing on work ethic."

He is also surprised that the issue of standdowns and suspensions was raised.

"I guess I've been like a big broom and done a few of these but we have expectations and consequences at this school," he says.

"As an example, last year our rugby team got a dozen red cards over the season and this year they got one. It's about students knowing our expectations."

The report also shows concern for the financial sustainability of the school after its roll dropped by 30 students last year, down to 100.

Almost 95 per cent of these students are boarders and Mr Matthews says they're hoping to increase the roll by attracting day students from the community.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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