Principal keen to see success | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

Stratford High School's new Principal, Warren Purdy, brings a wealth of experience, solid philosophies and a fervour for his profession to his most recent role and is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Educated at Mt Albert Grammar School in Auckland, Warren knew from an early age that he wanted to share his knowledge through teaching.

"I've always felt that teaching was the profession for me. My path was very clear and I was always determined to succeed, despite hurdles that came my way. I live to the philosophy 'Follow your bliss' and that is what I've tried to do in my adult life.

Warren's first teaching appointment was at New Plymouth Boys' High School, a lucky break after applying for many jobs. He was given the position, thanks to a successful phone interview. He gained valuable experience there but was adamant he wanted to teach where he was educated, Mt Albert Grammar School.

His chance to go back to Auckland came after he was offered a job at McLeans College, not quite the dream job, but one step closer to where he wanted to be.

During his time at McLeans, he gained a mentor in colleague, Colin Prentice, and is now extremely grateful he took on the role.

"I am lucky that I got to spend four years at McLeans College; my time there was pivotal in creating the educator I am today."

Always striving to be the best he could, Warren wanted promotion and saw an opportunity at a school in Nelson, Waimea College.

While there, he spent time as the Assistant Head of Department and Head of Department for English.

Mt Albert Grammar was still in the back of Warren's mind and his time had finally come to give back to the school that he said 'never gave up on him'.

He applied for, and was appointed as Head of Department English.

Later, he and his wife took on the challenge of supervising the boarding aspect of the school, a job which Warren really enjoyed.

"My wife was the matron and it gave me the opportunity to form good relationships with the students. It was a fantastic experience."

Seeking to move up the ladder again, and having conquered one of his most important goals, Warren decided to seek positions at a higher level.

His first role as a Deputy Principal was at in Cambridge and he loved being involved in the day-to-day running of the school.

Warren also spent time as Acting Principal, which sparked a new interest in taking the challenge of leading a school. After attending a principals' conference in Edinburgh, a new love for Britain emerged and Warren started applying for positions overseas.

"I felt like I was at home when we landed and I got to see family I had never seen before. It seemed like the perfect time to move into a new role.

On arriving in England, Warren registered his interest with agencies but was faced with a new hurdle. To become a principal, he needed to sit new documentation.

One facility took a chance on him and offered him a position, not as principal, but as part of the management team at King John's Academy.

Within a week, he became Head of the English Department and a position as Assistant Head Teacher was to follow. Warren's most recent appointment before Stratford High School came as a result of his experience.

He was sought after to become part of the management team at a newly established school, Walthamstow Academy.

He spent time working to put systems in place at the academy, but when the offer came to take a principal's role back in New Zealand, he jumped at the chance.

"It was another one of my goals being realised. I flew back to New Zealand for the interview and was really pleased that I got the position.

Now in Stratford, and settling comfortably into his latest education facility, Warren is having a great time and has a vision for the school and the community.

"It has been terrific. Everyone is extremely friendly. I am looking forward to meeting people and I want to be open for people to get an understanding of who I am. I want Stratford High School to be the school of choice for locals. I want people to perceive the school for what it is, a good facility with good resources and great teachers. I aim to never give up on a child and do my best for each student as an individual.

"I hope that all the students here will move on to tertiary study or a good job. I encourage all the students here to follow their own bliss - if they dream something, it just might happen."