Founding Aquinas principal dies

Brendan Schollum, founding principal of Aquinas College, has died. Photo/file

Tauranga education leader Brendan Schollum has been farewelled by some of those who knew him best.

The founding Aquinas College principal died suddenly on September 19.

Mr Schollum, 67, was admitted to Auckland Hospital on September 15 with viral encephalitis - an infection causing swelling on the brain.

The school stated Mr Schollum died peacefully surrounded by his wonderful family.

The well respected former principal's funeral will be held in St Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland on Wednesday, with a Rosary on Tuesday at 7pm at the Cathedral.

A bus load of 33 students will travel to Auckland to take part in the funeral and perform as part of a guard of honour.

Aquinas College will hold a Memorial Mass in the school gym on Thursday at 1:30pm to which the community is invited.