Cashmere High principal resigns
The principal of Christchurch’s second largest school, Cashmere High, has resigned.
Mark Wilson will leave his post of nearly 10 years at the end of term one to become executive principal of Kristin College in Auckland.
‘‘While I will be very sad that my time as principal here at Cashmere is coming to a close, I leave knowing it is in a very strong place,’’ Wilson said.
‘‘The very difficult challenges we have all faced over the past 10 years have actually deepened my love and connection with this school and its community.’’
Wilson led the school through the Canterbury earthquakes, site-sharing with Linwood College in 2011.
While it had faced some ‘‘extreme difficulties’’, the school’s growing profile meant it did not share many other schools’ issues with teacher retention, Wilson said.
Cashmere has become a victim of its own success in recent years, enrolling hundreds more students than it had space for in 2018. Its board shrunk the school’s enrolment zone last year in response to the growth.
It is also pursuing a $22 million redevelopment, with an 800-seat performing arts centre due to be completed in July. ‘‘Once completed, the property facilities here are going to be stunning,’’ Wilson said.
In a letter to families on Monday, board of trustees chairman Geordie Hooft said Cashmere had benefited from Wilson’s ‘‘inspiring leadership . . . through challenging times’’.
Wilson’s ‘‘highly valued’’ leadership had helped grow the school’s reputation and success, Hooft said.
‘‘Mark leaves Cashmere High School in a strong position.’’
Recruitment for a new principal will begin as soon as possible.