Relief teacher at Greenpark School dies after 'medical event' in his classroom

A respected relief teacher at Greenpark School died after a medical-related event in his classroom. Photo/File

A well-respected relief teacher at Tauranga's Greenpark School died today following a medical event at the school.

In a written statement Principal Gareth Scholes said the teacher was a respected local educator who was committed to engaging adolescent boys in education.

The teacher had spent some years teaching at Tauranga Intermediate School.

"Recently (he) had relieved at Greenpark School and was admired by students and staff, sharing his passion for learning and experiences in education.

The school's thoughts were with the teacher's family, Scholes said.

Earlier, Greenpark School Board of Trustees chairman Wayne Gribble told the Bay of Plenty Times an ambulance was called to the school.

"I understand there was a medical event involving a male relief teacher in one of the classrooms. After the principal was alerted, he came across and immediately removed the children while the teacher was attended to before he was taken away in an ambulance.

"It would have been scary for the children but obviously in terms of our duty of care, first and foremost, our main concern was to ensure the relief teacher received urgent medical care while we removed the students from the classroom as quickly as possible,' he said.

Gribble said the students involved were all safe and well supported.

A police spokesman said police assisted ambulance staff and were called about
10.40am.