\u201cHis vision, foresight, energy and unwavering commitment have shaped the school we know today.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust as importantly, his genuine care for and support of our boys, their families and our staff has been exceptional.\u201d<\/p>\n
King’s School headmaster Tony Sissons will retire next year. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
During Sissons\u2019 tenure, the school\u2019s roll had grown, and significant investment had been made in its Remuera campus, Fletcher said. <\/p>\n
That included new and upgraded sports facilities, art and science laboratories and the Centennial Building, which featured modern classrooms, breakout spaces and music rooms.<\/p>\n
Sissons had also been a driving force behind the school\u2019s new performing arts facility, which is due to open formally in February, months before his departure.<\/p>\n
The school credited Sissons with introducing a mindfulness programme and a comprehensive music curriculum, as well as moving to a longer school day.<\/p>\n
The change allowed inter-school sports fixtures to take place without compromising other specialist programmes offered by the school.<\/p>\n
He also played a key role in introducing the Endeavour Scholarship programme, Fletcher said. <\/p>\n
Sissons would leave the school in a strong position.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been a privilege working with him, and we are immensely grateful for everything he has achieved and for the leadership he has provided over the past 24 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fletcher said Sissons had also contributed to the wider New Zealand education sector through industry board positions and mentoring other school heads.<\/p>\n
A board sub-committee had been established to oversee the appointment of a new headmaster.<\/p>\n
Fletcher said the school expected Sissons to remain connected to the community after his retirement as an honorary old boy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will greatly value the final year of Tony\u2019s leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel Maher is the education correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. She also covers other topics such as Auckland issues, crime and local government. She started at the Herald as a breaking news journalist in 2022. <\/p>\n