New principal for Stratford High | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

STRATFORD High School has a new principal
– one who is no stranger to the school. Philip Keenan takes over the position officially on Monday next week, although he has been acting principal at Stratford High since November last year.
In fact Mr Keenan has been at the school for 17 years, holding a variety of positions.
After 37 years of teaching he has a wealth of experience to draw on and has seen the country’s education system go through many changes.
“Changing technology is huge for us today. We must now ensure staff keep up with new technology to give students skills for life.
“Social networking is one big change for students today. Cellphone use and Facebook sites have their place and are great for keeping in touch, but they have the downside of cyber-bullying and being overused.
“Students today have access to so much information and need to learn how to use that information.
“They don’t read so much now and have to learn skills in selecting how to research from the net rather than just downloading and printing out blocks of work
Asked about attitudes of students today, Mr Keenan said treat kids with respect and they’ll treat you with respect.
“If you’re firm and fair and they know where they stand with you, they’ll respect you.
“The cane never solved anything in days gone by. We have learned new tactics to deal with problems.
“Attitudes among students haven’t really changed. They still want an education and expect the best.
“Teenagers are more knowledgeable today. Many have both parents working and have become more self-reliant.
They also know their rights more, especially as a result of technology,” he said.
Born and raised in Christchurch, Mr Keenan began his teaching career at Aranui High School as an assistant teacher.
In 1981 he moved to Picton where he was head of maths at Queen Charlotte College for four years.
He and his wife and two daughters moved to New Plymouth in 1985 to take up a position as head of maths at Spotswood College.
In 1993 he joined Stratford High School as senior master, a position that later became known as assistant principal.
He became deputy principal in 2004, and now has taken over the top job from Warren Purdy, who resigned last year to take up a position in Qatar.
Mr Keenan’s wife, Deborah, is also a dedicated teacher. She is deputy principal at St Mary’s Diocesan School in Stratford, where she has worked for 10 years.