Raetihi teachers move on

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 13, 26 August 1986, Page 15

Raetihi teachers move on

Raetihi Primary School is losing two teachers at the end of this term. Tom Evans and Rosalie Irwin move on to greener pastures, although both will still be involved with teaching. Tom Evans and his wife Yvonne and three chldren - Owerl 3, Nallenie 8, and Daniel 12, have lived at Horopito for the last two years. Mr Evans was originally from North Wales but lived " in Wanganui for 12 years after immigrating 14 years ago. He trained as a teacher at Palmerston North Teachers College and has been teaching for two years. M r Evans is busy studying an extramural course for a batchelors degree in Education at Massey University this year and said that he does not find much time for relaxation. His interests, which include hunting and tramping, allowed him to escape into the back country of Horopito for peace and quiet. He is also a keen painter and is

fond of music and singing. He said that his arrival to Raetihi had presented a challenge in finding acceptance in a dose-knit community. But he says that he enjoyed the experience and will miss the friends that he and his family have made. Mr Evans is moving on to Hawera where he will take up the position of art teacher at Hawera Intermediate. Rosalie Irwin has taught at Raetihi School for 12 years. She trained at Palmerston North Teachers College and in 1970 took up the position of probationary assistant at Mangaweka Primary School for one term. Rosalie and Kerry Irwin married in 1970 and both taught in the Taumarunui area for a year before moving to Raetihi. Rosalie has taught at all primary school levels, and has also been involved with the special needs department. In 1980 she held the position of principal at Mangaeturoa School and was in sole charge. Rosalie resumed teaching

at Raetihi in 1983 and was appointed senior teacher for Standard three and four. Kerry Irwin attended Ruapehu College and also trained at Palmerston North Teachers College. He was a relieving teacher at Raetihi School and Ruapehu College for some time and held the position of manual training teacher at Ohakune Primary. Both Rosalie and Kerry were very active in the community. Rosalie's skill at floral arrangement made her invaluable at show days. She was involved with cubs and was also coach of

the Turda Tumblers while her children took part in the sport. Rosalie was also on the school PTA, and was extremely keen in youth activities. Kerry, Rosalie and their two children Glenn, 13, and Heather, 10, are moving to Ongarue, north of Taumarunui, to take up positions at the three-teacher primary school there. They are extremely sad to leave the Waimarino after being part of the community for so long but are looking forward to a change of pace in Ongarue.