Ōtūmoetai Intermediate’s new principal has big shoes to fill as he succeeds Henk Popping, who held the position for more than two decades.
But Blake Carlin says he’s only a size 11.
Carlin stepped into the role eight weeks ago after Popping’s 26-year tenure.
Popping retired at the end of term one this year, telling The Weekend Sun: “It just felt right”.
Carlin, who had been principal of Pyes Pā School since 2017, said “it’s like being home” back in the intermediate system.
He fondly remembered the friendships and camaraderie he found during his own time in intermediate.
“Intermediate school was always my favourite time in education.”
Carlin started his career as a teacher at Tauranga Intermediate in 2003, and worked his way up to deputy principal before leaving to become principal of Pyes Pā School in 2017.
He said there was a plethora of opportunities at intermediate.
“It’s a special time of your life. Students are starting to ask questions, to push boundaries; they’re developing their own personalities and character traits.”
He said Ōtūmoetai Intermediate’s good reputation and traditions drew him to the role.
“It’s an opportunity to work with a larger cohort of students.”
Ōtumoetai Intermediate's new principal Blake Carlin was previously principal of Pyes Pā School. Photo / Kelly O'Hara
Carlin felt privileged to be following in Popping’s footsteps.
He said he wanted to continue meeting the students’ needs by “giving them the opportunity to explore who they are and what they want to be like”.
Carlin had been asked what he would change about the school, but he said: “It’s more about strengthening what fits ... ensuring we continue to fit the needs of the emerging adolescents at intermediate.”
Carlin said the new curriculum presented exciting opportunities and challenges.
The Government was overhauling NCEA and the New Zealand curriculum for Years 0-10.
He said the school would look at nearby primaries and Ōtūmoetai College next door, and consider how the intermediate could contribute to them.
Carlin said his education philosophy revolved around the concepts of tūrangawaewae (a place to stand), belonging, and empowerment.
“Creating a sense of belonging for students and empowering them to be their best version of themselves.”
Carlin’s goal for students was that they “stay awesome”.
“It’s not hard to be awesome, but it’s hard to stay awesome.”
He said “staying awesome” means continuing to be the best version of yourself time and time again.
Carlin never thought he would become a principal – his dream was to be a professional rugby player.
He pursued a teaching career alongside rugby, and when opportunities arose, he followed them.
Carlin completed a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2016.
Blake Carlin began his role as Ōtūmoetai Intermediate's new principal eight weeks ago. Photo / Kelly O'Hara
Outside of work, Carlin said he was an avid gardener and he also participated in a fantasy surfing league.
He said past students still came up to him in the supermarket to greet him and tell him what they were doing now.
“It’s not always the ones who have gone on to do big things – you think about the ones you really made a difference for.”
Carlin said advice that had stuck with him throughout his career was to “take every opportunity and give people time”.
When Carlin moved into his new office, he hung his parting gift – a surfboard signed by staff members from Pyes Pā School – on the wall.
Carlin’s picture was not yet on the wall alongside previous Ōtūmoetai Intermediate principals, however, there was a spot for him next to Popping. Carlin said he needed to “earn the jersey” first.
Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.