Kieran has given huge service to Merrin School for almost 30 years. The Merrin community is very sad to say goodbye to Mr Ford.

Kieran began his time at Merrin in 1988.  He has worked at Merrin for almost 3 decades, except for 2 years in England, firstly in 1991, and then in 2005. Kieran has a brother who lives in England so he and his lovely wife Jeni (Ms Bargh), enjoy visiting him when they can. During his tenure, Kieran was a Senior Teacher, leading the middle school for 10 years.

Over the years Kieran has taught hundreds of students, and many of these past pupils love returning to Merrin to visit him.  With so few men teaching in primary schools, Merrin has been very lucky to have had such a wonderful role model as Kieran. He has been an exceptional mentor to many boys over the years, and he has a calm gentle manner in all situations. 

 When asked what his highlights of his teaching career have been, Kieran had many wonderful memories on which to draw. He has loved all the sport and P.E., and has particularly enjoyed spending time away from school, on camp with the kids. 

Another highlight he remembered was the Thinking and Learning Tour of 2008, when he travelled with many of the Merrin teachers, to look at teaching practice at some  'lighthouse' schools in the lower North Island. I suspect it was more about the wonderful social time, than the research and study they were expected to carry out! More recently, Kieran thoroughly enjoyed 2014 when he released teachers during their CRT days, working across all levels of the school.  He felt it was an opportunity to get to know all the children in the school. There were many excited children when Mr Ford was due in their class! Over the past 2 years, Kieran has worked in Tuakana Whetū with Mrs Mac and Mr Barr. He said he has loved the collaboration in the team of 3.  

Kieran is sociable person, and  one of the greatest rewards for Kieran has been making so many lifelong friends from all the years working at Merrin. 

Although Kieran will occasionally return to Merrin in a relieving capacity, he will also be following a passion of his: sport, health and fitness.  He will be taking up the role of a personal trainer.  People might be surprised that another of Kieran's interests is American Football, and his ambition is to travel to USA to watch a 'real' game.

Thank you, Kieran, for all that you have done for Merrin School. We thank you for your kindness, generosity, your genuine interest in all that goes on in our lives, your teaching and coaching, and most all, your love of all people, big and small.