New principal happy to be back at a Catholic school | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Cullinane College's new principal Kevin Shore is excited about returning to Catholic education.

Yesterday Mr Shore was ceremonially welcomed to his new school with a rousing performance by Cullinane's kapa haka group after being handed over by students from Wanganui High school where Mr Shore has taught for the past nine years.

For 12 years Mr Shore was a teacher at St Augustine's College (Wanganui's Catholic boys school) but left there in 2001 to take up a teaching post at Wanganui High School.

Mr Shore comes from a Catholic background himself and said he has high hopes for Cullinane College.

"At this point I bring a lot of ideas with me. I want to come into this role with open eyes," Mr Shore told the Chronicle.

"I am excited and looking forward to coming back to Catholic education and wanting to improve the academic results," he said.

During yesterday's ceremony Mr Shore thanked Wanganui High School for its support and told Cullinane teachers and students he was looking forward to working with them.

"It was a great honour to have a powhiri.

"It is a great welcoming for me ... an exciting occasion but a sad occasion as well."

Mr Shore also said that as well as pursuing educational goals he, personally, would be aiming to "connect with the Catholic community".