Key Takeaways
- Jon Ward, the principal of Rotorua Lakes High School, is retiring after six years in the role.
- Ward is leaving to move back to Christchurch, where his wider friend group lives, and to take a break before potentially picking up relief principalships.
- During his time at Rotorua Lakes High School, Ward built a stronger community relationship and opened more opportunities for students in the visual and performing arts.
- Ward is credited with driving greater secondary school involvement in the Rotorua Principals’ Association and advocating for student-centred decision-making.
- The school’s board chairman, Ben Alton, praised Ward for his tireless work in building strong relationships between the school and the community.
Introduction to Jon Ward’s Career
Jon Ward, the retiring principal of Rotorua Lakes High School, has had a diverse and fulfilling career. Before becoming a teacher, Ward trained as a mechanical and materials engineer in the UK. However, he soon found himself working in sales for a beer company, followed by a career with global consumer company Procter & Gamble. It wasn’t until he moved to New Zealand that he trained as a maths teacher, finally utilizing his engineering degree. Ward’s first teaching job was at Shirley Boys’ High School, where he quickly took on a leadership role, becoming the acting head of department in charge of 16 staff.
Ward’s Time at Rotorua Lakes High School
Ward spent six years as the principal of Rotorua Lakes High School, during which time he built a stronger community relationship. He dove headfirst into roles such as being on the board of the Mokoia Community Association and being the education representative on the Eastside community collective Tatau Pounamu. Ward also helped drive greater secondary school involvement in the Rotorua Principals’ Association, alongside Rotorua Girls’ High School principal Sarah Davis. The school’s board chairman, Ben Alton, praised Ward for his tireless work in building strong relationships between the school and the community. Ward is also credited with opening more opportunities for students in the visual and performing arts, as well as advocating for student-centred decision-making.
The Changing Face of Education
Ward believes that education is changing, and schools need to adapt to meet the needs of their community. He is proud of the work he has done to grow the senior pathways programme at Rotorua Lakes High School, which provides alternative education and senior pathways for students. Ward believes that schools need to "fill their kete" and provide a range of opportunities for students to succeed. He is confident that the school is in good hands with the new principal, Gwyneth Cooper, and wishes the school and the Eastside community all the best for the future.
Ward’s Retirement and Future Plans
Ward is retiring to move back to Christchurch, where his wider friend group lives. His wife will start teaching at Christchurch Girls’ College in 2026, while Ward plans to take his time before settling into a new job. He may potentially pick up relief principalships in the future. Ward is grateful for the support of his staff, including his former personal assistant Jayne Windell and current personal assistant Linda Huchinson. He is confident that he is leaving the school in good hands and is excited for the next chapter of his life.
Legacy and Impact
Ward’s legacy at Rotorua Lakes High School will be remembered for years to come. He has made a significant impact on the school and the community, and his tireless work in building strong relationships and advocating for student-centred decision-making has been widely praised. The school’s board chairman, Ben Alton, thanked Ward for his dedication and commitment to the school, and the community will surely miss his energetic and charismatic presence. As Ward moves on to the next chapter of his life, he can be proud of the work he has done and the positive impact he has had on the lives of countless students and staff.
