Waitakere College

Mark Shanahan

Waitakere College

Mark is an Aucklander who grew up in Ponsonby and Herne Bay. He attended St Paul’s on Richmond Road and then progressed to the University of Auckland where he secured a BSc in Zoology. “At the time of graduation there were no jobs for graduate scientists in New Zealand and a family friend encouraged me to go to Teachers' College. With no predisposition I found I loved it!” Mark’s first school was Takapuna Grammar under the legendary, All Black, Jack Kelly. “Murray Decker was the deputy, then John Morris – a former soccer international – became principal (now at Auckland Grammar). I stayed nine years teaching science and then moved to Kelston Boys, when Graham Henry was principal.” In 1995 Mark was appointed head of science at Westlake Boys High School, under Jim Dale – a former soccer professional – before moving to Northcote College in 2000 as assistant principal to Ted Benton. Two years later Mark returned to Kelston Boys as deputy principal, and then with the retirement of Peter Garelja from Waitakere College last year Mark was appointed principal to start February 1st this year. Mark is married and they have two children, 11 and 13. “Children need to believe in themselves and we help them do so. We have three pillars and we have high expectations of each – students, teachers and community. We have refocused the house system to reward students across the board. It has gained considerable traction as all students have the opportunity to receive recognition academically as well as the conventional high achievers. The house names are well received too – Aroha, Manawanui and Matauranga, which translated are; love, perseverance and knowledge.” You can’t help but be captured with Mark’s enthusiasm and love for what he does and the school he leads. He lives ‘The Waitakere Way’ – respect, learning and safety. “Respect – we value everyone – we have 50 cultures; we are dynamic learners, we want every student to leave here equipped to hold their head high in this world; we want to be a safe school, where the vulnerable or marginalised are comfortable and cared for.” (Mark told me a lovely story to example this point.)