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Shocked staff and students at Glenfield College have foregone the usual classes today and are instead supporting each other after the sudden death of principal Paul McKinley following a medical event.
The Monday timetable was put on hold as counsellors and school leaders opened doors and welcomed students who needed support and guidance.
McKinley, who according to an obituary notice was aged in his mid-50s, and was said to be loved and respected by students.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, Glenfield College board of trustees presiding member Donna Kahaki said his death was the result of a medical event.
“Paul was not just an administrator; he was a servant leader who shaped the very fabric of Glenfield College. His unwavering passion for education was evident in every interaction with staff, students, and parents alike.
Glenfield College principal Paul McKinley died suddenly after a medical event. Photo / Google Maps
“Whether on the sidelines of college sports events or in the hallways, Paul made it his mission to connect, support, and empower those around him. His personal touch left an indelible mark on our school,” Kahaki said.
Kahaki said the school community would take the time needed to process the loss and stand by McKinley’s family during the difficult time.
“Let us honour Paul’s legacy by continuing to uphold the values he held dear”.
Northcote MP Dan Bidois said the impact of McKinley’s death was far-reaching and went beyond the school gates at Glenfield College.
“He has left a huge legacy for many not just Glenfield but previous roles at Mt Albert Grammar and at Westlake Boys’ so his impact would be felt much wider than just the Glenfield community,” Bidois said.
McKinley took up the role of principal at Glenfield College in 2017, after previously holding senior and deputy headmaster roles at Westlake Boys’ High School and serving as associate principal of Mt Albert Grammar School.
When he was farewelled at Mt Albert Grammar in 2017, McKinley was credited for transforming the school from “a school struggling to attract students from its own community” into “a top academic school first and foremost”.
Stunned by another devastating loss. Glenfield College Principal Paul McKinley has sadly passed away. My condolences go to his whānau who kindly shared him with our community.
Massive love to GC students, teachers, staff, school whānau/community who will be deeply upset by this. pic.twitter.com/Kh5qq8V176
He achieved this by hiring the best teachers available and providing ongoing professional development, the letter said.
Bidois said he had been to Glenfield College delivering flowers and checking in on staff, who were “in shock.”
“It is a huge loss for everyone there,” he said.
“I have met a lot of principals over the years and Paul stood out as a great leader, very passionate and genuine and dedicated to getting better outcomes for students and for the team he leads.”
Auckland councillor for the North Shore Richard Hills said the community was “gutted” at the shocking news.
Hills said McKinely’s death would leave a huge gap at the school.
Glenfield College principal Paul Mckinley (left) with North Shore councillor Richard Hills.
Photo / Twitter https://twitter.com/RichardHills_/status/1761664093226959050
“He was stern but with a huge heart. He treated everyone as an individual. He didn’t look at the school as numbers, he cared what people were doing and what was going on in people’s lives.
“I’m shocked and I’m really gutted for the students and teachers at the school.”
Hills said his thoughts went out to McKinley’s family, including his wife Helen.
“With these sorts of roles the family shared so much of their loved one with the school and with the community,” Hill said.
“I hope they know the whole time he was with the community and couldn’t be with them he was doing amazing things for young people.”
