Former Flaxmere College student appointed to position of Deputy Principal
Cherie Heeney (nee Pohatu) never expected to become a teacher, let alone go into management.
But given that two of her role models are the former principals of Flaxmere College; one during her time as a student, and the other as a colleague, it almost seemed inevitable.
Now the former Deputy Head Girl and longstanding teacher at the college, has officially been made Deputy Principal, alongside Shelley Arnold, having been in the role since former principal Louise Anaru left at the end of last year, and Deputy Principal Jim Hay-Mackenzie took over.
“I’m so honoured to have been given this opportunity, and to be able to work with Jim and Shelley,” Mrs Heeney said.
“It’s been a full on year obviously, but I believe in stepping up when you have to and looking at the core purpose of why we’re here and why I’m here is to make a difference for our students and set them up for success.”
She says she would not be able to do what she does without the support of her husband, and her two young children.
Mrs Heeney attended the college from 1995-1999 and gained a degree in Business Studies, before her heart led her to complete her necessary teaching qualifications and go back to where it all began.
Given that she was always on a marae helping rangatahi, the transition was natural. She believes she takes after her late grandfather David Pohatu Stone, JP OMNZ, a key figure in Maoridom.
“I feel I lead like him; firm but fair and someone who keeps the mana intact.”
However, when it comes to teaching, she credits her principal during her time as a student, Richard Schumacher, as a “huge influence” on her life, and Louise Anaru as someone who saw potential in her.
Since starting out as an automotive teacher in 2008, she has taught in a number of areas, before transitioning from middle management to senior management in the last five years.
She says it is the whānau environment, and her desire to see every student who walks through the college’s gates succeed, that has kept her at the school for so long.
The Māori proverb ‘He waka eke noa’ (we are all in the waka together) epitomises the staff at the school, she says.
Her key area as Deputy Principal will be curriculum and careers, and she is looking forward to the challenge.
This year alone, she was instrumental in implementing a free-lunch programme with the support of the Wharariki Trust, before it became government funded.
She believes the key to ensuring success among students is building relationships and looking at the student as an individual.
Having spent a substantial part of her life in Flaxmere, she hopes her successes, and that of other former students will inspire current students that they can be successful if they work hard.
