For Paul Richardson, primary education has always been about much more than just reading, writing and arithmetic.
Mr Richardson (65), who retires early next year after 18 years as principal at Sacred Heart School, said his focus had always been on "education of the whole person".
"It’s about realising potential and personal fulfilment and celebrating that experience of success.
"Learning is supposed to be fun and people learn better when they enjoy themselves so you have to make it interesting and fulfilling," he said.
"It’s not just reading, writing and maths, it’s about teaching children to be creative."
Born in Greymouth, Mr Richardson began his working life as an administrator, in the then New Zealand Post Office and, after restructuring, in 1989 he switched to a new career.
He gained a bachelor of education degree and a teaching diploma through the then joint University of Otago and Dunedin Teachers College programme.
He began teaching at Sacred Heart, in North East Valley, 27 years ago and never looked back, remaining throughout his career and becoming principal in 2002.
"It’s been an absolute privilege to lead a high-performing school and to be influential in the pastoral care, spiritual formation and academic success of our tamariki [children]," he said.
Despite some earlier uncertainties about Covid-19, the school had staged successful 125th Jubilee celebrations this year.
The proudest moments in his career had come from making a difference in the lives of young people and sharing their joy of self-discovery, especially for those who faced challenges in life, as well as in learning.
He has also served for six years as the representative for Otago and Southland Catholic Primary Principals on the national executive of the NZ Catholic Primary Principals’ Association, enabling him to visit schools throughout New Zealand.
Teaching was still about self-fulfilment and making a difference.
"That’s incredibly rewarding."
In retirement, he plans to stay in Dunedin, to undertake some do-it-yourself projects at home, to do more walking, and, with his wife Pat, to travel more, in New Zealand, and later abroad.
