Retiring Principal honoured for “life changing” contribution to MIT

Outgoing Principal Toe Pune at his farewell from School of Secondary Tertiary Studies, MIT

13/11/24

MIT’s School of Secondary Tertiary Studies (SSTS) has bid an emotional farewell to Principal Toe Pune.

It was not only a chance to thank Toe for the contribution he has made during eight and a half years leading the school but to recognise his retirement after a four-decades long career in education.

“I cannot fully express how much your leadership and kindness have meant to me,” says former SSTS learner, Genique Scott.

“You’ve been a constant source of support and encouragement when I needed it most or simply being there to listen,” says Ms Scott who is currently studying towards a teaching degree with MIT.

“You have taught us that leadership isn’t about titles, but about lifting others up and helping them believe in themselves.”

Opened in 2010, SSTS is designed for Year 10 to 13 students who have been identified as ‘at risk’ of disengaging from education or not succeeding in mainstream options.

It offers smaller class sizes, specialist teaching staff and vocational learning options with a pathway to further study through MIT.

“Toe’s way of communicating and sacrificing his time, understanding what we are going through is comforting and he enjoys a heartwarming presence in the school,” SSTS Student Councillor Felyx Leasuasu told the audience of present and former staff and students at the farewell, who were also joined by colleagues who have worked with Mr Pune throughout his career.

“He sees the potential in all of us and encourages us to unlock that potential we ourselves struggle to see.”

Students of SSTS performing at the farewell

SSTS teacher Nathan Suniula presented the departing Principal with an artwork painted by students, a carved waka and taonga gifted on behalf of staff before speaking of Toe’s nurturing approach to leadership and establishing a strategy forum for kaiako to share their ideas.

Students performed haka, siva and tau’olunga before Mr Pune spoke of the importance of SSTS as a place where learners discover their identity as a foundation for pride and future success.

“You’ve found your place,” he says. “You’ve been successful, and you will continue to be successful. Follow your dreams. Continue working for what you want in life.”

“I see it every day, the transformation that takes place. Kids who turn up here with all sorts of problems. After two weeks, there are no problems. Purely because they feel safe and cared for.”

During his speech, Mr Pune read an email from a former SSTS student who had a low attendance record in mainstream education though finished all his NCEA levels in two years at the school before going on to study law and is now working as a diplomat in Japan.

Born in Samoa, Toe started his career at Arahanga Intermediate in Māngere in 1981. After working at a number of intermediate schools, he moved into secondary teaching as Head of Physical Education at Tāmaki College before becoming Deputy Principal Ōtāhuhu College and then Mt Roskill Grammar.

“In this challenging role of leading SSTS, Toe’s unique mix of purposefulness and caring have been the secret to the rapport he has developed with learners from all backgrounds,” says Te Pūkenga Region One Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

“His contribution has undoubtedly altered lives for the better and left a lasting legacy for us at MIT to carry forward,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

Earlier, incoming SSTS Principal Gareth Leadbetter was welcomed on to Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae accompanied by staff and prefects of Onehunga High. Mr Leadbetter has spent the past 27 years at the high school where he is Deputy Principal.

“SSTS allows students the opportunity to find what they’re passionate about,” says Mr Leadbetter.

“In a big school you can get lost. The slightly smaller class sizes and the really committed staff are great. More places like this are needed to give all students a chance as the world gets more frantic.”

School of Secondary Tertiary Studies was a concept created and developed by long serving MIT leader and Emertius Professor Dr Stuart Middleton.

Incoming SSTS Principal Gareth Leadbetter responds to the wero at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Ōtara