An inspirational mentor calls time
Wednesday, March 30, marked the end of an era at Manawatu¯ College, when local icon and legend David Allan, retired after 42 years in the classroom.
David has been a long-standing, influential figure at Manawatu¯ College since he started in 1980, inspiring hundreds of students throughout his long career.
Over the past four decades, he has been head of department for English, ran a debating club, was the dean of Allen House, and has had a form class that was a forerunner of Poipoia (our Supported Learning unit) where he taught social studies and English, while his wife, Carolyn, taught science and mathematics.
On what was an emotional afternoon, many tributes were paid to David for his many years of service at the school. Deputy principal Toni Kiriona acknowledged the work and commitment David has given Manawatu¯ College over the past 42 years. She thanked him for his friendship, guidance, wisdom, and inspiration as a mentor throughout her journey from student, to beginning teacher and now as deputy principal.
English and home-room teacher Lisa Frith said David’s love of teaching and his passion for his subject area were evident in everything he did.
She thanked David for his service to our school and noted fondly that “David is someone who does not know the meaning of an impossible task, who does not know the meaning of lunch break, who does not
understand the meaning of the word ‘no’.”
Long-time friend and colleague Kevin Brown spoke about their experiences together over the years. He said students and staff alike had benefited immensely from David’s expertise and his interests in English and politics.
Two of David’s four children, Kirsty and Cameron, who attended in person, delivered an emotional message where they thanked their
dad for his influence in their lives, as well as their education.
One of David’s first students, Fiona Clifton, who had flown in from Auckland especially for the event, remembered her years as a student of David’s and how he had inspired her and many others with his passion for English, sparking a lifelong love of literature.
She particularly remembered falling in love with the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, which she later purchased as an adult.
The final speech of the afternoon was left to the man himself. David thanked everyone who had made his career so special, the students, staff, parents and wonderful community that is Foxton. He said that it was, “very emotional to have his whole family in attendance, be it in person or via Zoom”, that we have an “incredible school” and the staff have been like family to him over the years.
As a school community, we wish David all the best as he steps into the next phase of his life. Retirement is the closing of one chapter, but it signifies the beginning of another — one that will offer endless opportunities, including being able to spend quality time with family and friends, which we all agree David deserves very much after 48 years of service to education.
E te korokoro tu¯¯ı, e te kaiwhakairo o te kupu, e kore e mimiti te puna aroha ki a koe i te nui o nga¯ mahi kua tutuki i roto i nga¯ tau wha¯ tekau ma¯ rua, a¯ mohoa nei.