Marina View Primary

Maurice Young

Principal, Marina View Primary

Maurice grew up in Christchurch and completed his schooling at Kaiapoi High School. While he spent some time at Canterbury University it was after he became a teacher that he completed his degree at Auckland. Maurice’s early working career was with the TAB however when he commenced his teaching diploma at Auckland College of Education (ACE), “going as an adult I knew why I was there.” His first school after ACE was Southern Cross School in Mangere, since blended with Southern Cross Campus. “It was a really enjoyable start with a mainly Pacifica community, culturally rich with very welcoming children. After a couple of years there I moved to St Kentigern Primary under Principal Brian Irwin. Brian had a wonderful caring ethos that embraced all as family and community. He encouraged us all to extend our study; that was when I completed my degree with papers in education, history and philosophy.” Next school was Flanshaw Road School in Te Atatu where Maurice commenced as deputy principal, and then in 1997 he was appointed principal. “I loved it! A very supportive community, both of my boys went through Flanshaw Rd. We had great galas that were genuinely community events. It was hard to leave – it was a special place in my life – the challenge came to lead a larger school that is a full primary with years seven and eight children.” Maurice moved to Marina View School in West Harbour in 2004. “Another school with great values and strong community support. We are very lucky; our parents give so much of their time. Our children especially make Marina View School a great place to be. As we have up to year seven and eight children you can see them transforming into real leaders. I’m always impressed with the independence and maturity we see, with the confidence they develop and the activities they’re prepared to undertake. This is never more obvious than through the MVTV studio we run three mornings a week.” I was then introduced to the school’s website and the streaming of their television programmes all produced by the school’s children (check it out www.marinav.school.nz). At the conclusion Maurice finished with the statement that other principals have espoused: “I think I’ve got the best job in New Zealand!”