Kaikorai Valley College principal Philip Craigie with his
1980 Chrysler Avenger, one of "a fleet" of British classic
cars he hopes to whip into shape in his retirement. Photo
by Linda Robertson.
Kaikorai Valley College's longest-serving principal says
he will have no trouble filling in his days when he retires at
the end of the first term.
Philip Craigie (60) has been the principal at the college for
the past 11 years - a time in his life he describes as being
some of his most fulfilling.
Before his arrival at Kaikorai, he was deputy principal at
The Taieri High School, Mosgiel, for 12 years, and before
that head of the music departments at Otago Boys' High School
and Riccarton High School, Christchurch.
So what does an educator with 40 years' experience do after
leaving the classroom?When he is not at his desk or offering
words of wisdom and inspiration to his pupils in school
assemblies, he is busy as the conductor of the Mosgiel Brass
Band.
A brass band conductor since the age of 19, he is looking
forward to giving more time to his musical passion.
"I've also got a collection - or should I say, a fleet - of
British cars from the 1960s and 1970s which always need
maintenance, and I live in an historic house [built in 1867]
on the Taieri which also needs regular attention."
Mr Craigie was also keen to tend to a garden and, with the
experience and wisdom he had accumulated, believed he might
be able to help schools as a professional consultant.
"I don't think I will have any worries about filling in my
days."
Reflecting on his tenure at Kaikorai Valley College, Mr
Craigie said he had stayed at the school so long because it
was friendly and supportive, which fitted well with his
"relaxed, happy and
not-bothered-too-much-by-the-stress-of-the-job attitude".
"The last 11 years have been great. I think I was matched
pretty well for this school."
Highlights of his career had been overseeing the development
of the school's gymnasium and special needs facilities and
the forthcoming upgrade of the administration block and
school hall.
However, the pinnacle of his time at the college was the
school's 50th jubilee celebration in 2008.
"I was pleased with how well the former pupils responded to
the event. It was a great buzz for me.
"There's lots of highlights every year. The most satisfying
times were the school prizegivings each year, and seeing the
success of young people at the school.
"It has been rewarding watching them grow and go on to
achieve in the wider world."
Mr Craigie, who will finish as principal in April, was
looking towards "retirement day" with a mixture of both
excitement and sadness.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
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