Raewyn Jackson
She hung up her chalk in June, but former principal Raewyn Jackson returned to Pukenui School in Te Kūiti for a fond farewell shortly before the school holidays.
Raewyn Jackson cuts cake during her farewell at Pukenui School
Past and present students, teachers and parents marked the occasion with thoughtful touches right down to the finest of details, Jackson said.
“It was sad to say goodbye, but it was all done so beautifully that it wasn’t overly sad, and I’m so appreciative of the efforts of the kids and staff. Because my favourite colour is purple, students wore purple t-shirts and the boys had purple bow ties, which was absolutely amazing.”
Since joining the school almost 27 years ago, Jackson has witnessed many changes, especially regarding new technology and to the school curriculum.
While primary teachers don’t tend to have a specialty subject, Jackson has gained particular satisfaction by helping encourage young imaginations.
“The arts have always interested me as has English, so I greatly enjoyed encouraging so many children to be creative over the years.”
Originally from Ōtorohanga, Jackson was already an accomplished teacher by the time she began working at Pukenui.
“I did my teacher training at Waikato Teachers’ College, which is now part of the University of Waikato. In those days, you were bonded for three years, told where to go and work. So, I began teaching in Rotorua and then Rangitoto School in Te Kūiti.”
After a break from teaching to raise her family, Jackson joined Pukenui as a part-time teacher in 1999. She became deputy principal in 2004, acting principal in 2006 and principal in 2008.
She plans to spend her retirement with children while, maybe, engaging in a little studying too. In addition, her plans allow for some ongoing ‘garden leave’.
“I have a large garden and I intend to spend more time there. I’m interested in maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) as well, so I want to do some courses about that – it relates to gardening, plants and the phases of the moon.
“I have 12 mokopuna, so being able to go to more of their sports matches and other activities will be great, and there will be other things that will interest me – there are lots of community groups I can join in Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga.”
Raewyn Jackson with husband Cliff and family
While she isn’t sure whether any Pukenui pupils have become household names since being under her tutelage, many have led successful lives, Jackson said.
“I don’t recall anyone becoming famous, but quite a lot of them have had impressive careers. It’s been wonderful to see, when they’ve come back to the school as parents, that they’ve grown to become amazing people.”
Dorothy Carr will now take the reins as the new principal – Jackson said the school is in good hands.
“Dorothy has been part of the school whānau for a long time. Well known in the community, she does a lot with sports and she’s an experienced teacher. She will be well supported by the staff, the board and families.”
Although Carr has been welcomed into the role, Raewyn will be greatly missed, learning support teacher Joanne Bentham said.
“Raewyn’s lasting legacy is her unwavering belief in people. She’s led with care and respect, valuing everyone, teachers and teacher aides, admin staff and caretakers.
“She saw our tamariki as students, but also as artists, leaders, athletes, gardeners and innovators. She made it safe to try, fail, try again and grow. She celebrated the big wins, but also noticed their quiet breakthroughs, first attempts, and small steps forward. Raewyn showed our tamariki that she was proud of them every single day.”
Raewyn Jackson at her presentation
