Tuesday 25 November 2025
Kia ora Parents and Guardians,
It is with both sadness and excitement that I write a final newsletter as the Headmaster of King’s College. When you receive this, I will have less than a week left at school, completing a wonderful 10 years here.
I want to thank you all for your support over the last 10 years. I want to specifically make note of our students - your sons and daughters - and how very impressive they are. I have met some great students in my time, including at my previous schools of Rangitoto College, Mahurangi College and Takapuna Grammar School. I have travelled the world meeting teenagers in their various learning institutions and all I will say is that the students of King’s are very special, truly beyond any others I have known. I applaud them for their energy, commitment and enthusiasm. I thank them for reminding us daily of why we are here and what really matters.
I also appreciate the King’s community. It’s a pulpable aspect of the College and something that so many contribute to - the students, the parents, the staff members, the Old Collegians, the affiliate groups, the Board of Governors and all the amazing individual supporters of the College. It’s one of the key ingredients of King’s, sometimes hard to quantify but very pragmatic and real – especially the influence the community has on the College’s ability to deliver a best all-round education. I have really appreciated my time at King’s, and I think we can all be very proud of what we have achieved together in the last decade.
As you may be aware, from next year I am contracted to assist the primary and secondary school principals of North Shore and West Auckland. This new role starts at the end of January. I think this is important work and if I can help good schools become great schools by assisting their leaders, then I’ll do the best I possibly can.
Catherine and I have appreciated so many wonderful farewells over the past few weeks and the thought, kindness and accolades that have come with them.
Thank you for everything. We will forever remain fond of King’s College and will be quick to tell anyone who will listen how great the school and its people are.
I wish you all the very best for the future. Go well.
Virtus pollet.
Simon