Columba principal plans to retire

Elizabeth Wilson
Elizabeth Wilson
A stalwart of Dunedin education and one of New Zealand's longest-serving school principals has announced her intention to retire.

Elizabeth Wilson, principal of Columba College in Dunedin, informed the school's board yesterday she intends to retire at the end of the 2014 school year, after 34 years in the role.

Confirming that late yesterday, board of governors chairman Tony Sycamore said it would end an incredible period of Columba College leadership.

Miss Wilson had been generous in giving a long lead-in to her retirement, which meant there was plenty of time to carry out a thorough process for appointing her replacement, he said.

It also meant there was opportunity to celebrate her many years of service to the school, where it seemed likely she still knew the name of every girl who had gone there in her time, he said.

The school community was informed of her pending retirement late yesterday.

Board of trustees chairwoman Dr Margot Skinner said Miss Wilson had given the school 33 ''wonderful'' years of service so far and had achieved a great deal.

''We are very proud to have had her as principal, and look forward to another year with her.''

Miss Wilson was appointed principal of Columba College in 1980.

She was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education in 2010.

Under her leadership, the school roll has trebled, the campus has doubled in size, the school has undertaken major building projects, and it has become one of New Zealand's top-performing academic schools in the national examination system.

Miss Wilson could not be contacted last night.

- debbie.porteous@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement