Waikato family’s education legacy
Michael Harrop calls it ‘‘The Brian’’.
As a new principal, when he’s talking in front of the school assembly, he channels long-time teacher and principal Brian Harrop.
‘‘I catch myself being my dad. The way I speak, the way I stand. It’s my dad all over. And it’s not a bad thing, it’s something I’m quite proud of.’’
His brother Mark Harrop, who is also a principal, says their dad is a strong role model. ‘‘Here we are, both principals, and we’ve made that choice probably due in part to the pride and respect we have for our dad,’’ Mark says.
‘‘You can’t go anywhere in the Waikato without someone saying, oh you’re Brian’s son. It’s very much a legacy.’’
Teaching runs in the Harrop family’s veins and they seem to be breeding principals.
Brian began his teaching career in 1974 and is currently principal at David Street School in Morrinsville.
Michael and Mark recently found out – on the same day – they were newly appointed principals at Silverdale Normal School in Hamilton and Paterangi School near Te Awamutu.
Their wives, Anna and Amy, respectively, are teachers, too. And Brian’s wife, Sandy, is deputy director of the English Medium Institute of Professional Learning at Waikato University.
The family grew up in the small Waikato rural community of Tauhei, where Brian was principal of Tauhei Combined School.
Michael said he fought against the idea of teaching. He knew it wasn’t a 9 to 3 job like non-teachers thought. He studied science at university.
‘‘I ran from it like wildfire,’’ he said. ‘‘Then one day I volunteered handing out pizza for lunch at school and realised the relationships and conversations I had with kids and that’s what lit a spark in me.’’
Mark was the opposite. Watching his parents motivated him to teach.
Both sons are looking forward to making their mark at their new schools.
‘‘I feel like I have a lot to give in a leadership role in terms of supporting the teachers and fostering a school vision,’’ Mark said.
Michael added, ‘‘I can’t believe now I was running from it for so long, because it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.’’
Brian’s seen a lot of change over the past 40 years.
Teaching back in the day was often focused on behaviour, he said.
‘‘It was about a teacher at the front, directing the passive learners, often sitting in straight lines.’’
It’s now all about teaching children skills for learning and there are no rules.
‘‘We have started to think about each individual child more and now the learner is in charge.’’
There have been many memorable moments, and a few powerful things he will never forget.
He’s held two funerals for kids from his school, though there have been many more weddings and 21sts.
‘‘It’s hard work and you can never switch off,’’ Brian said. ‘‘But if you’re passionate, it is worth it and so rewarding.’’