Barbara May, Assistant Principal is taking an opportunity in Auckland.

Farewell to King’s!

I have taken a 2-year contract in Auckland and leave King’s at the end of this term. Given it was a decision after the last Senior assemblies and the Year 13 Breakfast, I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to the school community.

When I was working in Wellington at NZQA and planned to return to teaching, King’s was the school I wanted to teach at. Luckily, Dan Reddiex found a space for me and this has been home for the past 10 years. I have been inspired by the students, staff, Board members and wider King’s family in my time here.

I have had a great time teaching in the English Department, working with the extension Cambridge programme and the learning support area, as well as with the Gateway and STAR programmes. As a member of the Senior Leadership team, I have enjoyed working closely with Year 11s for eight years, and Year 13s over the past two. It has been a real privilege to see these students grow into young men ready to take on the challenges beyond school.

The wonderful opportunities have meant I was able to go on two overseas travel experiences with intrepid King’s and Queen’s World Challengers to Malaysia and Borneo, and to Laos and Cambodia, and an amazing Operation Wallacea Science expedition with four boys to Tanzania and Malawi. 

Year 10 camps on the Hollyford Track and last year on the South Coast Track have been memorable highlights too. Teaching is the best career – every day has variety and challenge.

I wish everyone success and good fortune in all that lies ahead. King’s is a wonderful school in great heart, with an ethos to keep building and growing. I will be keeping close tabs on all that happens. Barbara

On behalf of the staff, students, and wider school community at King's, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Barbara for all her important contributions to King's over these last 10 years. We wish her all the very best for her two-year project up in Auckland, where her help’s needed.

Barbara's positive influence in the lives of many boys, and deep imprint on the school, will be lasting. Looking ahead, Barbara's already hinted at wanting to return for some relief teaching at King’s in 2024. We’ll be delighted to have her back. Watch this space...

Nick McIvor, Rector