The end of a year traditionally also offers us an opportunity to acknowledge the legacy left from staff who will be leaving our community. It is always with sadness that we farewell members of our community, but it is also with respect and fondness as we acknowledge the incredible service our staff provide.

We farewell Andrea Fray and Harmony Simaile, two of our hardworking teacher aides, as their fixed term contracts come to an end. We thank them for their work in developing and caring for our students. Bronwyn Trewin also completes her fixed term contract, we thank her for her hard work in the science department - we will still have Bronwyn at St Thomas in the capacity of a reliever in Term 1.

This year, we farewell Rachael Fowler as she moves to the Northern Territory, Australia, to be with family and continue her teaching career in another Edmund Rice school. Rachael has been with us for four years, and in that time she has forged a fantastic legacy in the art department, as well in the pastoral care department at St Thomas.

Keri Campbell departs after 18 years of service in a number of roles where he started as a Physical Education teacher, and after re-training for 12 months Keri returned to lead our Maori students as well as teach Te Reo at all levels. During his time Keri also held positions as a dean, and Kahui Ako across school leader. Keri leaves to take a position at Christs College leading Te Ao Maori.

Brian Knopp leaves after 18 years of service as our Guidance Counsellor. Brian has changed the lives of many young men in his care throughout his time. Brian has counselled young men through trauma faced by our Christchurch community. Brian has also had a huge impact in the lives of many staff, we wish him all the best in retirement.

Marty Taylor retires after 25 years service. Marty has changed the lives of so many young men through his many roles as a teacher, dean, sports coach, mentor, and the leader of many international opportunities for our young men. Marty has lived a life as an educator understanding our roles aren’t jobs but vocations. He has selflessly given up thousands of hours coaching, travelling and mentoring our young men. Marty has also mentored many young staff and helped form them into top class educators.

Margaret Guerin retires after over 40 years of dedication and service at St Thomas. She has lived a life of service for young men, in her time leading the library space, teaching English, debating, theatre sports, productions, Bishop Lyons…..the list goes on. Margaret has formed many young men, helping them understand their strengths and talents in order to fulfil their potential. Margaret leaves a legacy that she can be so proud of.

We wish all departing staff the best on the next phase of their lives. As we farewell these wonderful people, we welcome new staff to our community ready to drive their own legacy.

We welcome, David Hooper into the science faculty. David is a recent graduate who is a talented young man, he comes with an experience of all that is needed in a boys school as an old boy of Wellington College. David is multi talented with ability to teach across Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

Matt Kippenburger is an experienced science teacher with specialism in Chemistry and Biology. Matt comes to us from Riccarton High School, and is a highly regarded educator who will add to, and grow, our strong culture at St Thomas.

Ruihi Kawenga joins us after four years at Mairehau High School as a Te Reo and Kinesiology teacher. Ruihi will also take up the position as House co-ordinator of McClintock house. Ruihi is also an old boy of St Thomas who is very excited to give back to his school.

Katie Stanton joins us from Linwood College as the Deputy Principal in charge of Pastoral care for the last three years. Katie takes up the role of Director of Pastoral Care at St Thomas, we are very fortunate to have Katie join us as an experienced leader and educator.

Patrick McEntyre joins us as a counsellor. Patrick is a very experienced counsellor who has worked at the Ministry of Education in the trauma response team. We look forward to working with Patrick.

We also welcome Jamie Thompson and Shannon Cottrell on fixed term contracts.