This is my last term at Greymouth High School - I start as principal of Darfield High School next year.

Tēnā koutou katoa

It was with mixed emotions that I spoke to students and staff today to explain that I will be finishing my time at Grey High at the end of this year and starting as principal of Darfield High School in January 2021. I love it here, both in the school and the community, so I'll explain why I'm leaving:

• Next month, I'll have been at Grey High for 19 years - 8 years as principal. If I stay for much longer I risk being seen as "that Grey High guy" and it will become unlikely that I could get another principalship
• Just as important, schools need changes in leadership to keep them fresh and vibrant. I'm proud of what I've contributed to GHS, and I think I could continue for a while, but it will be healthy for the school to have a new leader
• Right now we have a strong student body, a strong staff, a strong leadership team, and an amazing Board of Trustees - that doesn't always happen. This Board has clear vision and is very capable of appointing a new principal. The Board will soon be asking for your views, about the qualities of a new principal, as part of the recruitment process which we're aiming to complete this year
• I'm excited to have the opportunity to serve as principal in another rural community and I hope to be able to contribute positively in the Darfield area.

I can assure you that Greymouth High School is in good shape and is in good hands.

There is a tendency in Māwhera for young people to talk themselves down. I said to the students today, and I want parents to back me on this, that every one of our teenagers has a unique set of knowledge, skills, experiences, values and attitudes that gives them so much potential to do good in this world, that they should be proud to be from here and they should back themselves: they are awesome.

I have so much to be thankful for from my time at Greymouth High School and in the Māwhera community. But there are speeches to come...;)

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou

Andy England