Zara McIndoe
Ko Zara tōku ingoa.
My name is Zara.
Ko McIndoe tōku whānau.
My family name is McIndoe.
Ko Tangata Tiriti tōku iwi.
I am a partner of the Treaty.
Ko au te tumuaki o te kura tuatahi o Ōtūmoetai.
I am Principal of Ōtūmoetai Primary School.
Ko Ngongotahā te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau.
Ngongotahā is the mountain that speaks to my heart.
Ko Rotorua te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara.
Rotorua is the lake that alleviates my worries.
No Kāwhia ōku tupuna.
My ancestors are from Kāwhia.
Ko Te Maia Tāwhara tāku tama.
My son is Te Maia Tāwhara.
No Tūhoe ia.
He is from Tūhoe.
No Rotorua ahau.
I am from Rotorua.
Engari kei Hairini tōku kainga inaianei.
However, Hairini is where I live now.
Ko tēnei taku mihi ki ngā tāngata whenua o te rohe nei. Ka mihi hoki au ki ngā tohu o te rohe nei, o Tauranga e noho nei au. Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou kātoa.
I acknowledge the people of this land. I acknowledge the important landmarks of this area. Thus, my acknowledgement to you all.
Kia ora koutou
It is an honour and a privilege to be the Principal of our wonderful kura. Ōtūmoetai Primary is a fabulous school full of lovely children, hardworking teachers, kind staff and supportive whānau.
I started my principalship here at the start of 2019. Prior to this I held the Deputy Principal position at OPS for 9 years. I have worked in both public and private schools across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato over my 35 year career and I have taught classes from Y0-Y8. I also spent a year teaching English in Japan which was an amazing experience!
I love coming to work every day - I love the variety of my job - there is never a dull moment! I am proud of our wonderful staff and our fabulous families! I love watching children learn and grow and and, of course, I love the fun & friendly vibe of our school.
My job description is long and varied but my main tasks include the following:
Day-to-day school operations
General school administration and leadership
Welfare of students and staff
Curriculum management
Health, safety, and wellbeing
Supporting our Board of Trustees (BOT)
Reviewing and implementing policies and procedures
Budget and resourcing
Strategic Goals and Annual Plan
Data collection and reporting to Ministry of Education (MoE)
I am also the Lead Principal for the Ōtūmoetai Kahui Ako (Community of Learning). Our Kāhui Ako consists of Ōtūmoetai College, Ōtūmoetai Intermediate, Te Wharekura o Mauao, Bellevue Primary, Bethlehem Primary, Matua Primary, Ōtūmoetai Primary, Pillans Point and Te Kura o Manunui. As the Lead Principal, I collaboratively lead our Kāhui Ako, support professional growth and implement strategies to improve student achievement across our cluster of schools.
I am a people person - I enjoy building and maintaining positive relationships with students, staff, parents, whānau, hapū, iwi and the wider community.
My favourite colours are pink and purple and I love parties and playing Scrabble!
I look forward to meeting you!
Ngā manaakitanga
Zara
Contact Zara
