Huntley’s new Deputy Headmaster is Sam Edwards

We had 17 applicants for the Deputy Headmaster’s position. We interviewed five applicants and were pleased with the calibre of candidates. In the end it came down to the best fit for Huntley and we have chosen Sam Edwards.

Sam is married to Rebecca and has a four month old son, Archie. He has experience teaching at Falcons Preparatory School for boys and Wetherby Prep School in England. He is currently second in charge at Weber School and his principal speaks very highly of him. He has been receiving professional development in the Aspiring Principal’s programme and has been working with Carol Lynch(Tim White and Associates) in the AP/DP cluster for Dannevirke. (Carol Lynch has been appraising me as a principal this year.) Carol, also, speaks very highly of Sam and felt he would work well in the Huntley environment. Sam has a bachelor of Education Degree from Massey and a Certificate in Leadership and Management in Schools from Sheffield University. His wife Rebecca is also a trained teacher and will hopefully be able to help with relieving.

Sam is also a skilled sportsman and has played rugby for the Nike New Zealand Youth Team, Hawke’s Bay Colts, Manawatu Colts and the Manawatu Development Squad. He has also been an age group representative cricket player in Southern Hawke’s Bay.

He is a friendly and outgoing young man and I believe he will get on well with the boys, staff and parents. We welcome Sam into the Huntley family.
(Photo to come)

Welcome back to Term Four

What a frantic start to our busiest term of the year. With Open Day, Gisborne Show and now currently interviewing candidates for the Deputy Headmaster position life sure isn't dull. So far I have interviewed two very strong candidates and am looking forward to interviewing two more today. I am extremely confident that we will have a suitable replacement for Andrew. Those of you that know Andrew therefore know the calibre of applicants must be high. I look forward to announcing the appointment within the next week. We had seventeen applicants for the position and of these eight were of an exceptionally high standard. It certainly shows what high esteem people place in a job at Huntley. I often tell Andrew that he was one of the best decisions I ever made as Headmaster and although extremely sorry to see him leave I am also excited for him as he moves into the field of educational leadership. He is certainly well prepared and will do a fantastic job.

The Gisborne Show was incredibly muddy but also showed the spirit of the community up there. Most other cities would have called it off. Not Gisborne. I could have made a fortune if I had taken a truck load of gumboots. It was lovely catching up with past parents and old boys. We have three potential boys for the future and I managed to have a half hour chat with the Education Minister, Anne Tolley. Whilst not promising anything the Governement are conscious of the difficulties facing independent schools at the moment.

I look forward to seeing you at the Music Concert on Thursday. Remember the concert is not just for grandparents, parents are also expected as well. I am sure we are in for a great show.