Red Beach School says farewell to devoted principal of eight years

A well known Hibiscus Coast Principal, who has fought to keep the special needs unit going, has retired.

Gary Holbrook was farewelled last Friday after eight years as Red Beach School principal and 41 years in the education sector.

He is taking time out to travel around New Zealand and overseas and will eventually move to Christchurch.

Over the years, he has been a strong advocate for the special needs unit at the school, which he believes gives local parents a choice.

 “It is something I am passionate about” he says.

 

He has also helped the school deal with massive roll growth, seen the completion of eight new classrooms, the building of the new school hall and the introduction of computers as a learning tool. 

“Red Beach School has always been a wonderful school that set about striving for the best possible deal for students” he says.

Deputy principal Lesley Tait has taken the reins and looks forward to continuing Mr Holbrooks’s legacy.

She wants to now focus on the school environment and work through issues including the special needs unit funding in general

 Rodney Times September 2004