Rotorua | New Zealand

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Tumuaki / Principal Mr Walsh leaving after 19 years.

Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 in News.

Kia Ora Koutou Parents,
I wish to advise that I been offered and accepted the position of Headmaster of Sacred Heart College in Auckland effective from term two, 2022.
My decision is tinged with considerable sadness as I have been the Tumuaki of JPC for nearly nineteen years! John Paul College is a high achieving school with a wonderful supportive community. I know I leave the College in good heart and shape, confident that JPC will attract an excellent field of applicants.
I am very proud of what has been achieved over the last nineteen years by successive Boards, teachers, parents and our outstanding students.
One of our most popular themes at JPC was “Carpe Diem” and last year’s ” Kia kaha, Kia māia Kia manawanui”. After nineteen years I needed to be brave and take on a new challenge and follow through on the same messages I give to students. It is also time for JPC to have a new Principal with a different vision.
Your highly effective and engaged Board will begin the recruiting process shortly. This will involve consultation with you on what you want in the next Principal of John Paul College.
On a personal note, I wish to express my and my wife’s Paulene’s enormous gratitude for your support of us in this community. We always felt welcomed and accepted.
I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead and will leave JPC with fond memories and few regrets.

Nga mihi
Patrick Walsh
Principal

Board of Trustees Chair Note

As a Board, and on behalf of the school community, I’d like to extend our thanks and congratulations to Patrick and Paulene for their enormous contribution to our school and
community. This is an exciting new opportunity, and we wish Patrick and Paulene all the best.
Since taking on the leadership of the college Principal Walsh has grown and shaped John Paul College into a high performing school grounded in its Lasallian values. The College’s
reputation in the arts and exceptional academic performance reflects the commitment and
priority it has been given within the leadership of the school.
While Patrick will be quick to acknowledge the many years of work from the school’s Senior Leadership Team, committed teaching and support staff, and previous Boards, no one would dispute the exceptional and careful leadership Patrick has provided to the College.
Patrick has also been a prominent contributor on a national scale, enhancing both the reputation of John Paul College and Rotorua.
Patrick leaves the College and wider faith community in an incredibly strong position to recruit a new Principal who will benefit from the capable leadership and excellent teachers he has fostered in our school.
Congratulations Patrick and we wish you and Paulene the very best for your move to Sacred Heart College.

Jean-Paul Gaston
Board Chair