Despite having a long list of successes on the footy field, the new principal of Howick College – and former New Zealand and Samoan international rugby league star – says classroom learning should always take priority over sporting pursuits.
“Sport for me is extremely important, but it’s secondary to what happens in the classroom,” says the 42-year-old.
“I love the fact Howick College embraces teaching and learning.
“They want to be the school of first choice for the community. That’s really encouraging.”
Mr Ropati’s announcement that he was leaving his position at One Tree Hill College, where he’s been principal for seven years, was reported by the Times last week.
“What a great new year present and I’m really looking forward to it,” he says.
“I always knew I would finish up at my current school this year or early next year.
“The school really is in a good place – we don’t like mediocre in our school.”
He is taking over at Howick College from Bill Dimery, who announced his retirement in October after suffering ill health.
Mr Ropati told the Times he was impressed with the board of trustees’ universal commitment to improving the school.
And Howick College’s wish to be the school of first choice in East Manukau is an aspiration that appeals to him.
“It’s very important that schools keep pace with the diverse learning needs of students,” says Mr Ropati, who studied English at the University of Auckland before embarking on a league career that included time with the Warriors, Kiwis and Parramatta Eels.
“Teaching and learning – that’s my passion. That’s what I want to get my teeth into very quickly. What you see is what you get.”
More than 1800 students attend the decile-10 college, compared to One Tree Hill’s roll of 716 and decile-three status.
“For me, it’s a promotion, it’s another step into a bigger school,” says Mr Ropati, who will take on the management of 170 teachers at Howick College.
“There will be lots of new challenges. Hopefully those that I’ve experienced before will be a little bit easier the second time around. Kids are kids wherever you go.”
The college was among a select list of schools Mr Ropati had always wanted to teach at.
“I’ve been watching and waiting from a distance. The philosophy of Howick is in-sync with my thinking. It’s about making kids and staff believe they can make a difference. They have a pretty unified desire – that’s made me quite excited.”
Howick College’s board of trustees chairman Wayne Johnson says the depth of Mr Ropati’s answers in the interview process and his obvious passion for education secured him the role.
“We’d written out a pretty detailed job and position description. Iva fitted every single one of them. I think [2010] will be a real turnaround year.”
Connecting with staff, students and the community is Mr Ropati’s biggest priority for the new year.
“The community and the families are really important.
“The main supporters of a school community are all of the people who sit outside. I’d love to get out and about and meet with them.
“Together we can [create] more outstanding achievements.”
