ACG Tauranga principal Thea Kilian often reminds herself not to underestimate 'what our young people are capable of when they feel connected and engaged”.

After taking over the principal role on August 1, Thea has experienced a sense of care and community that fits well with her as a person and as an educator.

'It's a young school within a fast-growing environment. The potential is just phenomenal and I want to be part of that.”

Thea came to Tauranga from her former position as Deputy Principal of Long Bay College in Auckland.

'I am enjoying the really strong sense of connectedness within the education community.

'I love that the ACG Tauranga community cares about the same things I value in education; a caring and inclusive school culture, enabling learning environments, exceptional staff and a stimulating curriculum.”

Thea believes a significant benefit of the Cambridge curriculum offered at ACG Tauranga is the ability to cut through a nationally imposed curriculum and assessment requirements to deliver teaching and learning that the school believes to be in the best interest of the students it serves.

It's refreshing, she says.

'You have got to work out what matters most to you and your family in terms of education. Cambridge is a challenging but very accessible curriculum.

'It values focussed study as a strong foundation to effective collaboration and problem solving and expects a high level of accountability. It is what I want for my own children.”

When asked how she is enjoying life in the BOP, Thea says she is enjoying the burst of beautiful weather and can't wait for summer.

'The people are just fabulous, of which my family and I are extremely appreciative. The traffic is definitely less, however, the driving is different. And what do you do when the pukeko won't get off the road?”

Parents wanting to know more about Thea and ACG are invited to the school's open day tomorrow.

Thea says student guides will be showing prospective families around.

'They are our most honest advocates, so take the opportunity to really engage with them as you wander through the school meeting teachers, students and current parents.

'You will know who we are not just by what you see and hear, but by how you feel. We are all very excited to meet you.”

ACG Tauranga warmly invites you to meet Thea at the Open Day: Wednesday 5 September, 2-7.30pm.

-This article contains sponsored content by ACG Tauranga.