Kelston Girls' College

Linda Fox

Principal, Kelston Girls' College

Linda grew up on a farm in Northland and attended Arapohue Primary at a time when the small country school grew from a handful of pupils to 100. As the only girl in her family it was intended that she should go to a boarding school in Auckland however the untimely tragic passing of her mother meant that Linda went to Dargaville High School instead to keep her closer to the family. Her education did not suffer in any way – she excelled in English and History and when she finally went to University and College of Education in Auckland, with the desire to work in secondary education, her majors for her arts degree were the same subjects. “But interestingly I’ve taught English and Drama, not History, all through my career.” First school was Orewa College where Linda had four years and then in the mid eighties she moved to Penrose High School. In 1989 Linda became Head of English at Whangarei Girls’ High School. She became Deputy Principal of Bream Bay College in 1994 and moved to her present position three years later. Linda became Principal of Kelston Girls’ College ten years ago, in 1997. “We have 1,000 students from about 50 cultures. The Pacific Nations are our largest community, we have a growing Maori community (18%) and our Asian students is probably our fastest growing collective. While the school has the reputation as a strong sporting school with students who have achieved national and international success (Linda Ituna is presently in the Black Ferns) we equally have excellent academic success too. For example, Linda has been studying for an Accountancy degree. While some of our school leavers go straight into study many of our girls seek tertiary qualifications after a couple of years in the workforce.” “I really enjoy the young women at our school. I’m amazed I’ve been here as long as I have! I believe strongly in the efficacy of girls’ education and that was my focus over the years that I was a member of the national Executive of PPTA, representing teachers in Tai Tokerau. When some international principals visited this morning they were impressed with how proud the girls are of their school and how strongly the cultural heritage of the students was refl ected in who we are at Kelston Girls. They were also impressed with how well maintained the school is in spite of the fact that we’re not a wealthy school.” “The uniqueness is summed up in the words aroha and friendship – there’s no barrier in race or age, girls form wonderful and lasting friendships.”