The principal of Auckland's Diocesan Girls, School for Girls is stepping down after more than 16 years in the job.

Heather McRae is the retiring principal of one of Auckland's biggest schools, and she says she's optimistic about the school's future, and the education of children in New Zealand. 

She said she likes the changes that Education Minister Erica Stanford has made to the curriculum, saying a focus on making the curriculum more specific is the right move.

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