St Mary’s principal Tim Nelson is moving back to Lakeview School next term, but this time as principal. PHOTO/CHELSEA BOYLE
By Chelsea Boyle
St Mary’s principal Tim Nelson is moving on to become the principal of Lakeview School next term.
Mr Nelson said it was time for a new challenge, and he was looking forward to returning to his old stomping ground – where he was deputy principal for five years.
He said he first became interested in teaching during his early 20’s while travelling abroad, an experience that made him appreciate the quality of education in New Zealand.
He has been passionate about teaching ever since.
“It’s incredibly rewarding.
“It’s nice to have a job in which you sense you have a real purpose.”
His four years leading St Mary’s has been a special chapter in his life.
Mr Nelson said he was incredibly proud of the St Mary’s pupils, who were respectful and polite.
They embody the four school values of aroha, integrity, respect and excellence.
“The teachers, parents, kids and parish are so aligned with what they are thinking,” he said.
The school had recently had great sporting success, particularly in cricket and rippa rugby.
It had won one of last year’s Wairarapa Times-Age sports award.
Mr Nelson said the school had also excelled in kapa haka, with every pupil taking part in some “phenomenal” performances.
“The feedback we get from parents and the community is pretty amazing.”
But the stand out for Mr Nelson was taking the year 7 and 8 pupils to Rarotonga last year to give them a taste of travel.
The trip was a big task to organise but “it was so worth it”.
It was going to be hard to leave the school, Mr Nelson said, anticipating an emotional last day.
He said it was an honour to have been picked to be Lakeview’s new principal.
congratulations Tim. Great for Lakeview.