Dannevirke: School in good heart: Principal

Chris Gunn, the principal of Dannevirke's St Joseph's School for the past two years leaves at the end of this term to take up a new position at Ororua Downs School in the Manawatu.

St Joseph's School in Dannevirke has a strong future, departing principal Chris Gunn says.

Mr Gunn will leave the school at the end of this term to take up the principal's role at Oroua Downs School in the Manawatu, knowing his school is in good heart, with pupils the focus of everything.

St Joseph's School roll has risen to the mid-90s and Mr Gunn told the Dannevirke News it had really progressed in the last couple of years.

St Joseph's School pupils Kasey McKenna (left), Barry Walker, Raynor Hokianga, Jordan Treacy-Selby and Alex Boblea perform at the Catholic Cultural festival.

"We've a good roll growth and a great progression of our teachers and facilities. However, the most important factor is what impact we have on our students' education and values which is a priority for our staff. We've also been working with those at home to provide good learning outcomes."

Mr Gunn acknowledged his school has great support from various groups and with the building of resources.

"It's all about our students, but there are always challenges. That's part of the education sector we operate within. However, in Dannevirke we're very lucky to have a collaborative approach between primary schools and with that comes a willingness to work together to be able to mitigate those challenges somewhat. It's that focus on each individual child which is the key ... and it's all about progressing students achievements."

While Catholic beliefs within St Joseph's are strong, Mr Gunn said within any school they have their own values alignment.

"It's so important to build students to reach those values and the core competencies in the New Zealand school curriculum. The recent Catholic cultural festival held here in Dannevirke was a wonderful celebration of our Catholic values, celebrating our cultural diversities. I'm very proud of our community ..."

As he prepares to move to Oroua Downs School, with a roll of 100, which is closer to his home in the Manawatu, Mr Gunn admitted he will miss the many groups which operate within the parish and school.

"I'm so impressed by the dedication of so many. There are a lot of people who give so much and we've benefited as a school and as a parish."

With the process to find his replacement well under way, Mr Gunn said he realised schools had to evolve. "A new person will be coming in and the key is so long as people concentrate on the individual student, this school will always be a success."