Karamu High stalwart moving on after 41 years

Retiring Karamu High deputy principal June Clark with head boy Toby Hunter (left), deputy head girl Hannah Hemi-Robinson, deputy head boy Reuben Lyndon, head girl Holly Davidson. Photo / Duncan Brown

When June Clark came to Karamu High School as a biology teacher in 1976, she was keen to spend a couple of years in Hawke's Bay.

Forty one years later, the now-deputy principal's last day at school has finally come around, with a school assembly held tomorrow to acknowledge her contribution to the school, and wish her luck on her retirement.

"I've enjoyed Karamu and I've enjoyed Hawke's Bay and the two together have kept me here," the native south-islander said.

"I've probably seen a number of second generations going through here... and I really thought I ought to get out before the third generation arrive."

Although she had faced challenges during her time at the school, and seen a number of changes, Mrs Clark said she had always remained because of the "great things happening around Karamu".

"[Karamu] is about fun and laughter and belonging... we've got a great staff here who actually go the extra mile and help the kids, it's the sort of things that come together to make it a really great school to be in."

Her tenure included 27 years as deputy principal - with current principal Michael Leitch the latest of five principals she has worked with.

Mr Leitch said she had contributed a lot during her time at the school, and during his time as principal had appreciated her hard work, passion, and "selfless nature".

As well as work in the school administration, she had seen the school through a number of changes, contributed to curriculum development, and her involvement had been "critical" in raising students' academic achievement.

"She's spent literally thousands of hours working here overtime to make sure that everything's completed, she's had quite a large role in the school," he said.

"It's her work ethic and commitment to the job really that will be a great loss."

She had supported students at both ends of the academic spectrum - by helping some achieve their level 2 NCEA, or challenging others through the school's academic institute.

Of all her roles and responsibilities, Mrs Clark said she would miss the students the most.

"Students are the reason I came into teaching and they're the reason... I get out of bed in the morning," she said.

"I don't mean the academic stuff... I'm talking about kids and their personal qualities, seeing that wholesome growth and helping with that growth."

"For me that's the passion of the job, to see that growth".

Stepping into Mrs Clark's role as deputy principal will be one of her former students - Dionne Thomas, who has previously been at Woodford House.

"That's actually quite nice feeling too, to think that's someone I know," Mrs Clark said. "It's a nice full circle."

Leaving the school would be a big change, but she wanted to retire while she was "fit and healthy enough to actually go out and enjoy life".

There was no time for sitting at home scheduled, instead Mrs Clark was looking forward to volunteering, and spending time on the golf course.

"There's never a right time, but I think its not a bad time to go," she said. "It's the next stage for [Karamu], and it's the next stage for me".