Alan Graham's flag lowered

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 11, 12 August 1986, Page 4

Alan Graham's flag lowered

A number -Of staff changes have taken place at Ruapehu College since the beginning of the year. Amongst them is the departure of a well-known figure, Alan Graham. Mr Graham is leaving Ohakune to live in Auckland, where he will be teaching junior maths at Takapuna Grammar. The area is not new to him as he lived in the Auckland

region for 20 years before moving to the Waimarino. Mr Graham admits to feeling a little uneasy about leaving a small and friendly community, to move to a region of such siz.e. He said that he will miss the friendly responses of people that he has grown accustomed to. He took an interest in the development of Ohakune Junction because he lived in that area, and is quite impressed by the restoration of some of the old buildings. Takapuna Grammar will take some getting used to as it has around 1000 pupils and about 60 staff. Mr Graham has lived in Ohakune for 10 years and has taken an active interest in the community. His first job was with Turoa Skifields as a field officer. He developed a keen

interest in skiing and was involved with several ski clubs, including the college ski group. Mr Graham involved himself with the PPTA and PTA because of his firm beliefs that the teacher's concern for his pupils should not stop outside of school hours. During his seven years at Ruapehu College, Mr Graham taught maths and science and became involved with computer studies when it was introduced to the school's curriculum. As well as changes to the school, he has seen many changes in the community. He is a keen railways enthusiast and has watched with interest the preparations for electrification of the main trunk line, and the disappearance of the signal

box at the Ohakune Railway Station. Mr Graham has watched the development of the ski fields and compares their role in Ohakune to that of the college. He sees the skifield's role as vital for continued input into the community. The skifield is the key for broadening the horizons of the town, as is the college which broadens the horizons of the pupils. Mr Graham will be remembered by friends, colleagues, pupils and expupils alike, all for different reasons. Unforgeitable would be his unique routinc when cleaning the dusters. the unerring daily raising and lowering of the flag. his quick wit and inimitable character! The Waimarino wishes you the best of luck, Alan.