Sharing achievements a real inspiration
Gregor Fountain has been principal of Paraparaumu College since 2013. He was previously one of the deputy principals at Wellington College, and before that taught history and social studies at Wellington College, Rosehill College in Papakura, St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton and Morrinsville College.
WHERE DO YOU GO TO FEEL INSPIRED?
I amprobably more inspired by people than places. One of the great things about being a teacher is sharing in the achievements of students who you have taught. To see young men and women grow the amazing ideas, skills and creativity they have at school and take these into new areas and to new levels when they leave is inspirational.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PUBLIC SPACE?
One of my favourite places in Wellington is Otari - Wilton’s Bush. I was brought up very near there and went to the primary school next door to the reserve. My parents still live in our family home in Wilton and my dad is a volunteer at Otari, planting trees, weeding gardens, hosting and guiding visitors from New Zealand and overseas. I love walking with my family through the bush up to the 800-year-old rimu trees there. On the Coast, I love walking through the beautiful native bush at Hemi Matenga and swimming in the sea with my boys at Waikanae Beach.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL MEAL?
I ama big fan of Waikanae’s Prah Ta Pang. Their $12 green chicken curry is a regular Friday night takeaway for me. Waikanae’s CJ’s fish and chips is very popular with my three boys and another regular Friday night feature of our family life.
IF YOU WERE A PUPIL AT YOUR SCHOOL TODAY WHAT WOULD YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?
‘‘Friday in the Square’’ is a wonderful celebration of all that is great about PC. It involves students from all levels and staff having fun, dancing and playing games and music together in our square at the end of the week.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT WEEKEND
This would involve watching Paraparaumu College’s sports teams playing with heart and passion (and winning!) and taking my boys to a brilliant Paraparaumu College production like last year’s Wizard of Oz. It would probably also involve an extended family gathering (with curries) at our home. We recently hosted an event like this to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday. The perfect weekend would have calm and beautiful Kapiti weather ... the South Island (where my sister and her family live) and Mt Taranaki.