Determination, sacrifice and hard work are some traits that have brought Hannah Uluinakauvadra through on a 17-year journey at International School Nadi (ISN).

The Natabua High School old scholar initially planned to become a banker but was persuaded by her mother to become a teacher, a decision she does not regret.

Her parents were Police officers.

Upon completion from the University of the South Pacific (USP) with a Bachelor of Education, the Savusavuitaqa villager was ready to be part of her family of teachers in public schools.

But that did not go to plan when she was thrown an opportunity to become a reliever for another English teacher at International School Nadi in 2006. This was the beginning of her journey to become International School Nadi first local principal.

“I started in 2006 as a reliever for a Year Three class for the English B subject. Thereafter I moved on to be the humanities teacher for the middle year’s programme and diploma, which is from Year Seven right to Year 13 for a number of years and this is where my permanent teaching started,” said the mother of five children.

“Then, there was an opportunity in the school to apply for a diploma coordinator and this was my first step in being in the administration position.

“The next year there was an opening for deputy principal, I applied for the role in 2016 and was successful. I held the position or six years.

“In 2021, because I was deputy, I stepped into the acting principal role in June.”

She said the next six months was a challenging one for her.

Some of the many students of International School Nadi. Photo: International School Nadi

“Coming into the role during COVID because the school was doing online learning was challenging, but I had a supportive school board and senior leadership team who encouraged me to take on the role,” she said.

“And because of the team spirit we have here, both our expats and our local staff, it is not me but it is us as a team.”

“It has been nine months now in the position as school principal.”

Ms Uluinakauvadra, 40, who is the eldest of six siblings, said her goal was to see the school and the students grow and develop.

“Change is good, it just means that we can also work hard to be able to take on leadership roles and I know that it will also encourage our iTaukei colleagues to strive for higher positions,” she added.

“And to be a woman in this day and age it just empowers my iTaukei fellow women to step up, keep developing and up-skilling your qualifications.”

There are about 50 staff and 189 students at the non-profit institute of ISN.

Story by: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj