Tauranga principal announces resignation

Aquinas College principal Ray Scott has announced his resignation. Photo/file

Tauranga Aquinas College principal Ray Scott has resigned.

The school announced the news today, with a letter from Mr Scott saying he had mixed emotions about his departure at the end of the year.

"I have been considering the move for some time and believe this is a good time for a new principal to step into what will be the next phase of development for the college," he said.

"It has been an absolute privilege and honour to be the Principal of Aquinas College over the past seven years. The success of the college has brought me great personal and professional satisfaction and I extend my thanks to the Aquinas College community for the opportunity to fill this role."

Mr Scott said the most important aspect of his role was the people he had worked with, the students, staff, board of trustees, parents and wider community.

"I have always endeavoured to promote honest, open and effective relationships with all groups and have been grateful for the overwhelmingly positive support from all parts of the Aquinas community. I have valued the family atmosphere and the positive culture of the college that springs from this."

Mr Scott said the greatest resource of the school was the people inside it.

"I have loved my time working with the students and helping them to get the best from themselves. The variety and depth of talent expressed by our students is truly impressive and gives me confidence in them stepping up as leaders in the future.

"I have also loved working with the staff and leading the team of teachers and support staff who strive to give their best in developing the young men and women of Aquinas College. I have enjoyed the opportunities to bring new staff members into the school with strengths in a variety of areas. I have also enjoyed identifying and developing the strengths of staff by providing them with new opportunities within the college. Teaching is a challenging but rewarding profession and needs to be valued in all communities. I thank the Board and community for the support given to the staff at Aquinas College."

Mr Scott's resignation comes after Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell announced his retirement in April. Read more about that here.