Creating a campus of the future in the Hutt
Appointed principal in 2011, Ross Sinclair takes the time to talk about the highlights of his career and what he does with his free time.
IF YOU WERE A PUPIL AT YOUR SCHOOL TODAY WHAT WOULD YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?
The diversity of people is a daily reminder that we are a reflection of modern New Zealand. Students across cultures arm-in-arm walking around the school make a very positive message about our future as a society. The school also has huge opportunities inside and outside the classroom. The range of subjects available means a flexibility of choice, and outside the classrooms sports and activities cater for all. Over 1000 students play inter-school sport this year, and there are around 100 other groups, activities, bands or events on offer.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PUBLIC SPACE?
In school, the area out in front of the school has developed into a low key friendship space. In time, this will shift into the centre of the school site as we open up spaces through our Campus of the Future Plan, which is an integrated vision of the school’s future, developed from the student and staff responses to the question of their views of what makes a pleasant and human space to be in.
WHAT HAS BEEN A HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TEACHING CAREER?
In teaching, straddling the extremes of the teaching experience. Individual students loom large in my mind; one a former student who was top of New Zealand in English; another was a student in major personal, social and disciplinary strife who discovered in himself a talent in English and left the school with high level qualifications and a life on track; and the third is a young woman who had everything going against her in her life outside school, who struggled to develop selfdiscipline and focus but ultimately completed school, leaving with qualifications and moving into the paid workforce. She was a real triumph. Latterly, I’m proud of what we have achieved at Hutt Valley High School in building a school style that is inclusive, strongly developmental and unashamedly ambitious for the future.
WHERE DO YOU TAKE OUTOF-TOWNERS WHEN THEY’RE VISITING?
The harbour on a beautiful day is very hard to beat. We’re privileged to live beside a spectacular setting and one that is accessible to everyone. There’s something special about the harbour that is calming and restoring. I think most people sense that; not just me.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I read; a lot. I’m a sometime (very poor) golfer. I have a 2009 Triumph Bonneville 900 that occasionally gets to be taken out for a glimpse of the country. I go each year to the