New Tarras School principal Rachelle Haslegrave is excited to be part of that story.
Ms Haslegrave began her new role at the 15-pupil school this week and said she loved its dynamic.
''It's really cool having the older kids in with the little ones, helping each other when they need it.''
She is originally from the United Kingdom and spent six years working at the Mt Richmond Special School in Auckland.
While Tarras School was well-resourced with technology such as computers and tablets, she also wanted to introduce new concepts and ''learning spaces''.
''I'm excited to make the school a more modern learning environment''.
Ms Haslegrave and her partner, who is also a teacher, moved from Auckland to Tarras in December.
Until now, she worked there as a relief teacher at Goldfields Primary in Cromwell.
''I thought 'I didn't move to New Zealand to be in the city', and we love it out here.''
Tarras School has battled to bring toilets to the town after continued problems with tourists trespassing on school grounds and relieving themselves.
The project, financed by the Central Otago District Council and the Government, is now scheduled for a mid-August completion. It was originally set to be finished before the end of June.
It was most important for the project to be completed before the height of the summer tourist season, she said.
''It's good that the kids have been such a big part of it.''
As for the story of Shrek the Sheep, she could not remember hearing about it in her home country.
However, she makes sure to take visiting friends through the small Shrek museum in the town.
Ms Haslegrave knew many people in the community before getting the role, she said.
''I always joked, ...'I'll be the principal there one day'. Then the job actually came up.''
