Makoura College principal Chris Scott has resigned but is adamant he is not leaving a sinking ship, just the opposite in fact. "I am totally convinced Makoura will survive, and thrive."
Mr Scott's resignation came practically in tandem with the announcement by Education Ministry officials that Palmerston North educationalist Tim White is to be the college's commissioner, replacing the Board of Trustees that resigned earlier this month.
He will finish up at the school after the senior school breaks for the year in mid-November and said he will give the college every ounce of his energy up to and including his last day.
Mr Scott, who has been 11 years as Makoura principal and is the school's second-longest serving head, said he will seek a new challenge probably in education but will firstly take a sabbatical and will be heading back to his native Britain. "I have to be in Yorkshire in February for my mother's 90th birthday."
He wants to be able to spend some time with Mr White and hopefully a short time helping a new principal to settle in, if an appointment is in place by mid-November.
Mr Scott told staff of his pending departure mid-morning yesterday "along with the obligatory morning tea shout", then senior students and the junior school soon after. Staff members and students had since approached him to wish him all the best for the future.
For his part, Mr Scott said he had assured them that Makoura was not closing, that it had a future and would forge ahead.
Resigning to take up a new challenge had been "in the back of my mind for a long time".
Mr Scott said the decision had ultimately been his, and his alone.
The root cause of Makoura's struggle in recent years was easy enough to understand when people took a look at population statistics for Masterton.
"Whereas we have had no population growth to speak of in the last 40 years, and don't look to have any for a few years yet, our population is also ageing.
"So unless this district is able to put in place some initiatives to attract younger people it will remain a real issue for schools."
Mr Scott said Makoura had been a challenging school to be principal of but he had worked with some outstanding teachers and support staff, dedicated board members and a "wonderful" school community.
"The highlight, though, has been the students. Our students are individuals and watching them grow and develop during their time at Makoura has been a real pleasure."
He said it may appear brave for a new principal to come forward to lead Makoura but the truth is the college presented an excellent opportunity for the next incumbent.
Accepting Mr Scot's resignation, the departing Board of Trustees chairman Lindsay Gribben said the board and school community thanked him for his 18 years at the school, 11 as the principal.
"At times being a principal can be a thankless task, because the buck stops at the principal's desk.
"Chris has at all times acquitted himself professionally, with dignity and honesty."
Makoura College principal Chris Scott calls it a day
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