Principal goes out on top

Headmaster of Whangarei Boys' High School Al Kirk said it would be weird to take a step back from the role. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Whangarei Boys' High School's Al Kirk has called it quits after 15 years in the top job.

The headmaster announced his resignation last week although he will not officially leave the role until next July.

"I've been doing this job for 15 years and I'm just as passionate about it as I've always been," Mr Kirk said.

"While I would like to carry on, I would also like to go out on top."

Mr Kirk said he was granted study leave for term one next year as recognition for the last 15 years work. He will spend some of that time preparing for his sabbatical to Europe in term two.

"I thought what a neat way to finish things up," he said. "In effect really I finish at the end of this week."

While Mr Kirk plans to remain in Whangarei he is unsure at this stage of his next career move, although he hopes it will be in the education sector.

Letting go of the reigns after so long will not be entirely easy, Mr Kirk said: "It's going to be so weird."

During his time at the school, Mr Kirk was proud of the student leadership programme, student hostel, improvement of the school's finances, and emphasis that had been placed on extra-curricular activities.

The school also started offering Cambridge Exams while expanding the Gateway programme and work experience options for students.

"You've got the chance to really push the bright boys but also acknowledge that not everyone is going to university," Mr Kirk said. One of the biggest challenges he faced was adapting the school as technology developed.

Looking to the future, Mr Kirk said the school would likely see some new, improved buildings in the next couple of years.

Deputy principal Allister Gilbert will step up as acting headmaster for before the new headmaster, who is yet to be appointed, takes up the post on July 20.