Whakatane High School deputy principal farewelled

LOOKING BACK: Deputy principal David Pick reflects on his time at Whakatane High School.

Outgoing Whakatane High School deputy principal David Pick is a man who gets things done.

For the past six-and-a-half years Mr Pick has been at the helm of student welfare at the school. Last week in recognition of his work and what he has achieved in that time, a morning tea was held in the staffroom and included representatives from most agencies working with schools in the Eastern Bay.

Whakatane High School principal Chris Nielsen attributed markedly improved statistics around truancy, stand-downs and behavioural issues to the work of Mr Pick.

"Possibly one of the most admirable things he does is ensuring the students know it is their behaviour he does not like, not them," Mr Nielsen said.

Police Youth Aid Sergeant Tom Brooks said it had been a pleasure working alongside the deputy principal.

"Anything we have asked of David has never been too much trouble," Mr Brooks said.

Senior Constable Helen Hay said it was so easy for schools to say "see you later" to difficult students.

"David always asks the question, what can we do to keep you at school?"

Staff from Voyagers, the Ministry of Education and Child, Youth and Family and the Tuhoe Hauora all spoke about Mr Pick's passion for the welfare of students.

In response Mr Pick said the job was one requiring a collective approach.

"You can't do it on your own and everyone here has made it easier for me," he said.

Off to fill the role of full-time parent, M Pick's role as deputy principal will be filled by former assistant principal Carole Hughes. Peter Barsdell steps up into the role of acting assistant principal until the role is filled permanently.