Two Rotorua Boys' High School teachers to lead their own schools

NEW ROLES: Kimiora Webster and Matthew Dalton are moving on to principal positions at other schools. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

Two Rotorua Boys' High School teachers will lead their own schools next year.

Deputy principal Matthew Dalton and head of the Maori department Kimiora Webster have been appointed to the top jobs respectively at Aquinas College in Tauranga and Te Kura o Te Whanau a Apanui in Te Kaha.

Dalton has been with Rotorua Boys' High School for 12 years in two teaching stints.

He started as a physical education teacher before progressing to become the head of the physical education department and was appointed as a deputy principal in 2013.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at this excellent school," Dalton said.

"I have witnessed so many wonderful achievements by our students over the years in a range of endeavours. One of the most special things about this school is the opportunities it provides the young men of Raukura to follow their passions and indeed excel in them.

"I am leaving with mixed emotions. Whilst I am sad to leave behind many great friends and memories, I am very much looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead. I consider myself very fortunate to have worked alongside so many hardworking, passionate and excellent colleagues. The young men of Raukura are blessed to be surrounded by the entire staff team."

Webster, an old boy of the school, has taught at Boys' High for nearly seven years. He previously worked at Rotorua Primary School and spent a decade teaching te reo Maori and kapa haka in prisons.

"There are so many achievements and accolades this kura has received while I have been at the school," Webster said.

"If I was to pick one thing, it would be watching the school culture and brotherhood amongst the students and teachers grow to form the autonomy of Raukura. Over the years I have seen the students grow to represent their whanau, hapu, iwi and their school.

"The best thing is watching all of our old boys coming back to school after they have left to help out with extra co-curricular activities or coming back to visit their teachers.

"Although I am going to another position in another school, I will forever be an old boy of Te Whare o Raukura and will live in the school through my son, Tawhao, and my nephews coming through the school as brothers of the brotherhood of Raukura."

Principal Chris Grinter said it was a proud moment for the school.

"Matt Dalton is a talented educator who started his teaching career here at RBHS.
In 12 years he has developed wonderful skills as a teacher and a leader and I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding principal for Aquinas College," Grinter said.

"Kimiora Webster will be a huge loss but a wonderful treasure for Te Kura o Te Whanau a Apanui.

"As an old boy, as a tutor for Raukura and as a teacher, Kimiora represents all that is special about our school and he will take these special talents and the young people of Whanau a Apanui will benefit from time with Kimiora in the same way as our staff and students have benefited over these last seven years."