After a global search that led to a shortlist of school heads and deputies across four countries, Green School New Zealand and Green School International are proud to announce the appointment of Caroline Rennie as the new Head of School, in New Zealand.

Born and raised on a rural farm in Canterbury, Caroline will be returning to Aotearoa from Qatar, where she is the current Deputy Head of ACS International School.

Green School New Zealand CEO, Chris Edwards, says it is difficult to envisage a more mission-aligned appointment, given the background, passions, and experience Caroline will bring to the role.

“Caroline’s passion for sustainability runs deep, while her environmental ethos has always guided her career path. Local culture has also always been important to Caroline, with her daughter attending te kōhanga reo, and the philosophy of whānau being an important part of her personal parenting journey.

“The entire team at Green School International and Green School New Zealand feel very strongly that Caroline is the ideal candidate to continue and lead Green School’s mission to educate change makers across the globe for a sustainable future, here in New Zealand.”

Caroline completed her undergraduate degree in Languages and Literature at the University of Waikato, before completing her educational training at Auckland College of Education.  She completed her Masters through the Education University of Hong Kong. Caroline’s first international experience was in the South Pacific, where she spent 10 years of her formative educational life in Fiji with her family, experiencing social change and local initiatives that linked development and environmental stewardship. Career and international leadership opportunities then led her to Japan, South Korea and China, before her most recent role in Qatar. Since 2002, Caroline has been fortunate enough to facilitate International Baccalaureate (IB) workshops, and conduct IB visits around the world as part of the IB Educators Network.

Caroline says she is looking forward to returning home with her family, spending time with extended family and friends, and pursuing many of her outdoor interests in the Taranaki community.

“I love spending time outdoors and on the water, kayaking and paddling, while I’m also attempting to improve my tennis.”

She can’t wait to become an integral part of GSNZ by modelling sustainability, while supporting the school’s future creators and entrepreneurs to transform the world by making sustainable choices available to everyone.

“I am so very pleased to be returning home in the role of Head of Green School New Zealand (GSNZ). This position aligns beautifully with my beliefs and values. I never envisioned that I would be so fortunate as to have this opportunity to be part of such an organisation in the country I love.

“GSNZ is on the forefront of a learning movement that will change the world, and I look forward to working with exceptional educators, brilliant leaders, and focused students and parents, who are seeking sustainability and balance as we grow and develop in a global culture. I feel blessed to have an opportunity to work with local iwi, and community, to forge new partnerships that honour our culture and shared heritage. I can’t wait to begin.”

Caroline will join GSNZ in Term 1, of 2021, to lead the school alongside Chris Edwards. She will replace current Principal, Stuart MacApline, who was recently recruited by the LEGO Foundation to become part of its Global Programmes team based in Europe, supporting schools to move towards the joyful, co-constructed, playful learning that is also so highly valued at Green School.

For more information contact:
Hannah Mumby
Communications Manager,
Green School New Zealand
hannah@favourthebrave.nz