Feilding High School’s Gary Yeatman has been named as the new principal of Awatapu College.

Mr Yeatman, the associate principal of Feilding High School will replace Tina Sims, who leaves Awatapu College after ten years at the end of the third term.

Deputy Principal Jane Horton will cover term four before Mr Yeatman takes the reins next year.

Mr Yeatman said he was still ‘‘buzzing’’ despite being told he had landed the job yesterday.

‘‘I took a short amount of time, like five minutes, to accept the position,’’ he said.

Mr Yeatman has been at Feilding High School for four years, and will be Awatapu College’s fifth principal.

Becoming a principal had been a goal of his since since he started teaching 15 years ago, he said.

Awatapu College board of trustees chairman Tony Coffin said Mr Yeatman was the top pick from a strong field of contenders.

Picking a candidate had been a tough decision for the board to make, he said.

‘‘We wanted the right person and we have got that in Gary. He will take us forward and is a great fit for the school.’’

The news was  announced at both schools this morning.

Mr Yeatman will spend some time at Awatapu College in term four to familiarise himself with the school and the role.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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