Principal’s Welcome

Kia Ora, Talofa Lava, Malo E Lelei, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Kia Orana

Welcome to Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School.

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate appoints Estear Peautau as the new
Middle School Tumuaki-Principal – Tuesday 17 December, 2024

The Board of Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate is delighted to announce the appointment of
Estear Peautau to the position of Tumuaki/Principal of the Middle School starting, Term 1
Monday 24 February, 2025.

Estear joins us from Papakura Intermediate where she has been in a Deputy Principal role in
2024 and has previously been a Deputy Principal at Homai School for five years – between
these roles in schools Estear has also been a Professional Development Facilitator working
across many schools.

Estear brings over 15 years of teaching and leading experience in South Auckland and an
energetic, inclusive, community-focused approach to her relational leadership. The Board
was very impressed by how at ease and skilfull Estear was in the talanoa interaction, her
deep living commitment to her fa’asamoa values and the pursuit of excellence and equity in
education.

The board is very confident of Estear’s strong knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy and
assessment and how this will support the continuation of programmes, as well as add value
to the professional growth of staff and remove barriers to effective teaching.
Being new to the Principal role, we’re confident that with our community’s support, and
Estears’ education sector network Estear will be a huge success in the role and we look
forward to seeing the school flourish under her leadership.

Member of the Board

“You can feel Estears’ vibrant energy, confidence and no-nonsense approach – I can
already see how much fun and focused learning the Middle School students will experience
under her leadership…I am excited for everyone”.

Presiding Member

We knew Estear was a great fit for the collegiate when people talked strongly about her
superpower being relationships, her time in bi-lingual units, other intermediates, leadership
and success with Home-School Partnerships impressed us – the icing on the cake is her
experience in evidence-based research and coaching for teachers – we know our teachers
do a great job – this will take them to the next level.

We look forward to welcoming Estear to the Collegiate formally in the New Year and will
share more details of her arrival over the coming weeks.

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Board of Trustees