Chris Linders, the newly appointed principal of St Joseph's School in Stratford says he has always seen teaching as being a calling, and he is delighted to now be called to lead the school into the future.
"There's so many things to like when it comes to teaching, it is a values based job, where you are surrounded by people who all hold kids at the centre of all that they do."
Chairman of the board of trustees, Nathan McDonald, says that while they received a high number of quality applications Chris's appointment was the result of a unanimous decision "as he meet the requirements that we were looking for in regards to our new principal".
"It is fantastic result for the school as Chris already knows the students, school staff, the parish and local community. Also Chris has strong links with the community supporting local sports and being a volunteer fire fighter."
Chris has been a teacher at the school for the last two years, prior to which he held principal and deputy principal roles at Mahoe and Ngaere schools. He chose to move to St Joseph's to gain experience within the Catholic system.