Edmonton Primary

John Carrodus

Principal, Edmonton Primary

John began his life in Ngaruawahia. As his father was a meat inspector, he attended primary schools in Haitaitai (Wellington), Moerewa and Papatoetoe before attending Kedgley Intermediate and Aorere College. “When I was about 15 or 16 at high school I started thinking about teaching as two teachers in particular really impressed me – John Landers and John Keal. John Keal taught us to ask questions of sacred cows. I hadn’t enjoyed primary school so part of my motivation was to do it better! I decided that I was going to make a career out of helping kids enjoy their learning, particularly ones who found school difficult.” “I decided to go to university and in the following year enrolled at Auckland Teachers College and continued my degree part time. (John has a bachelor of education and a postgraduate diploma in special education.) My first school for a year was Maungatoroto where I gained invaluable experience teaching Year twos. Seventh Formers are a piece of cake in comparison!” I then had two and a half years at Riverhead School and became Acting Deputy Principal in my third year of teaching.” “After six years of service, I went through an exciting period of working at various jobs in the ‘real world.’ (Building and plastering etc.) Moving in and out of teaching in various West Auckland Schools, this included Don Buck Primary, Hill Top, Liston College, Te Atatu Intermediate and Ranui School. During this time I held numerous positions of responsibility and continued my studies. I owe an enormous amount to these schools for such a rich and satisfying experience.” “All my efforts were rewarded finally moving to Edmonton when the position became available in 1999. I felt I fitted like a glove and was immensely pleased that Sandra Hewetson had left the school in great heart and financially strong. I have sought to continue that and to improve at all levels. We strive to provide a quality education in a small family-oriented atmosphere. To continually upgrade the teaching process in the best environment possible. At the end of the day it’s all about attitude and personal relationships. The staff and board live this ethos daily as testament to our commitment to quality education.”