St Hilda’s Collegiate principal Jackie Barron informed the school’s community she would be stepping down from her role at the end of term 1 in April next year.
She said the past 11 years had been the most rewarding of her life and she wanted to leave while she was ahead.
Though she was happy to announce she was resigning to give the board time to find a replacement, she did not want to get into detail about her time at St Hilda’s because she still had about 20 weeks left.
"I don’t want people thinking that Elvis has left the building."
She said the school was in good hands and a new strategic plan was in the works, so it was a great time for someone to take over.
"I’m very happy here and I really enjoy the job.
"But you always want to go before people wish you would."
She was looking forward to taking on new challenges that were more flexible and required a sligkhtly less intense lifestyle.
She said she would not be accepting another role as principal.
"Whatever I do, it’ll still be about encouraging young women, especially in education and sport."
Mrs Barron is on the board of New Zealand Football.
The board of trustees at St Hilda’s was beginning its process of recruiting a new principal and Mrs Barron was working with them to ensure a comprehensive and seamless transition.
