College head departing

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 30, 17 December 1985, Page 1

College head departing

During the year of their silver wedding anniversary, Michael and Jo Warbrick are going home. The Warbricks and two of their children, Mauriee and Paul, have been in Ohakune for five years, and are soon to return to Edgecumbe, Michael was formerly deputy principal of Edgecumbe College and will be returning there to take up the position of principal. As principal of Ruapehu College, Michael has played an important part in developing the multi-cultural aspects of the school. "I believe we are much more sensitive to the needs of the Maori as well asEurOpean and Chinese children and I'd like that to be the thing the school is remembered by,"said Michael. The highlight of his time as principal was the school's performance of Maui, the first production at the school for many years. "The children's talent are so raw and rich," he said.

Although he has had other interests, including involvement with Rotary for a time, serving on the St Joseph's Pastoral Council and as a council member of the Wanganui Regional Community College, Michael's main 'hobby' has been Ruapehu College. "The thing I will dearly miss is turning into Tainui Street — one of the great things is coming to school not dreading it, which is indicative of the joy of the job." Jo has also enjoyed her work at the Ohakune Library which has enabled her to get to know many people. As well as leaving many friends in the area, Jo will also be leaving her blooming garden, which, along with reading, is her favourite hobby. She has also been an active member of the Waimarino Red Cross and the Waimarino Garden Club. Mauriee has recently completed sixth form at

Ruapehu College and will go on to seventh form at Edgecumbe College. He has been involved in many outdoor activities at the school as well as the college 's Maori cultural group. Paul has just finished standard four at Ohakune Primary School, is involved in the Turoa Tumblers and is a keen trout fisherman at Lakes Reserve. Both boys will have school mates when they return to Edgecumbe from when they were at school there before. The Warbricks also have older children in Auckland and Wellington, two living in the Whakatane area, as well as one grandchild, and both their mothers live near Edgecumbe. "It's not what we've done for the area, but more what the area has done for us as a family. The growth in ourselves as individuals and as a family cannot be measured. That is why we have loved our stay," said Michael.