Mount Aspiring College (MAC) principal Wayne Bosley has resigned.

He announced his resignation to staff and students this morning (Monday May 25).

“After much reflection I have made the significant decision that the time is right for me to resign as principal of Mount Aspiring College,” he said in a letter to parents.

Wayne, who had been at the school for 20 years, said he would finish there at the end of this term.

“I have informed the board of trustees [BOT] that I will continue to work through to the end of the school term and then be stepping down for the transition to a new leader.

Wayne leaves the school facing a number of challenges, including the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, an ambitious building programme for the school campus which is awaiting approval from Cabinet, and a recent Education Review Office (ERO) report which identified MAC as a “developing” school, with variable conditions for student learning and variable outcomes for students. 

The ERO report said work was needed on building professional relationships, developing consistent systems and procedures, and building evaluation capacity.

Wayne discusses the school’s building plans with students.

In March this year Wayne described the report as “a kick in the guts” and revealed he was being supported by an educational mentor.

“I understand and accept that there are doubts over my personal performance now and there is only one way to do this: through my actions as well as my words,” he said.

In the past few months two groups of parents have raised concerns about leadership issues at the school, two members of the BOT have resigned, and the Ministry of Education has been working with the BOT on a plan to “move forward”.

BOT acting chair Ed Nepia expressed gratitude to Wayne on behalf of the board for “a remarkable period of service”, adding that Wayne’s contribution extends far beyond the physical campus.

“Wayne has a passion for teaching and education, and the students hold him in high regard. Throughout his tenure, Wayne has been a positive influence on generations of students, providing education, life skills and connections that will prove invaluable in their future careers and lives,” he said.

Wayne said today it had been a privilege to be part of MAC for the past 20 years.

“I am humbled to have played a role in the development of so many students as they matured into wonderful people who are making such a positive contribution to society. I am hugely grateful for the support from staff, boards of trustees and members of the Upper Clutha community during my tenure at MAC.”

Wayne said he was most proud of the students, and the development of student leadership structure and increased student voice gives him “great personal satisfaction”.

He also acknowledged his “many gifted colleagues who without exception have given their all for their students”.

“I have spoken many times over the years of taking advantage of the opportunities in front of you. I leave Mount Aspiring College knowing that there are indeed new and exciting opportunities to come for me personally and for the college I love. I am very much looking forward to the exciting times ahead in my final term at Te Kareti o Maunga Tititea, and beyond that for me personally,” he said.

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