Paparore School will soon mark 125 years of education, a milestone that reflects its rich history and enduring impact. One aspect being celebrated are the values deeply embedded during John Windleborn (Sir)’s three decades of leadership.

In a moving and memorable celebration in September 2024, the Paparore School community, spanning generations of students, staff, whānau and friends gathered to honour their respected principal, ‘Sir’ John Windleborn, for three decades of visionary leadership and commitment to the kura.

Affectionately known as ‘Sir’, Mr. Windleborn began his teaching career in Auckland before returning home to the Far North, where he taught at Kaitaia Intermediate and Taipa Area School as a Health and Physical Education teacher. In 1994, he was appointed Principal of Paparore School, intending to stay for just one term. Thirty years later, his leadership continues to shape the heart and spirit of the school.

As Principal, Sir lives and breathes the school’s values: Hiranga (Excellence), Ngākau (Integrity), Rerekētanga (Diversity), Porihanga (Community and Partnership) and Kaitiakitanga (Caring for the Environment). These values are embedded in every aspect of the school, shaping not just the learning environment, but also the character of the students and staff who walk through its gates.

The school’s vision Proud and Passionate Leaders of Learning in the Heart of the Community (Inā te tūkaha, te tū māia o ngā kaiārahi mātauranga kei waenganui, kei te manawa o te iwi kāinga) is deeply reflected in Sir’s leadership. Whether through his warm morning greetings, the rich opportunities he creates for tamariki, or his belief in every student’s potential, Sir’s presence is felt in every corner of the school.

The 2024 celebration was evidence of the impact of his leadership. Former students returned from near and far to share stories of how Sir’s guidance shaped their lives. A wall of memories filled the whare adorned with messages, artwork and photos from students past and present, all expressing admiration, respect and gratitude for a Principal who truly made a difference.

Teacher Debbie Thompson shared “Sir has been the leader of the learning community at Paparore School for the past 30 years. His leadership has shaped countless lives, instilling the school values into every student who has walked through the front gate. Sir’s passion for health and physical education is reflected in Paparore School’s strong commitment to community sport, school sporting events and physical activity.”

For many years, Sir also coordinated the Far North Sports Calendar on behalf of all Te Hiku Schools – a reflection of his commitment to creating meaningful and inclusive sporting opportunities for tamariki across the rohe.

In his speech, Sir reflected on his arrival at Paparore “Thirty years ago, in 1994, the World Wide Web had just been invented, and The Lion King had hit the big screen. On Monday 23rd May, I arrived for my first day at Paparore School. I had originally planned to stay for just one term, three months, before returning to my dream job as a Phys Ed teacher at Taipa Area School. But something shifted. I felt a wairua as I drove through the school gates. I didn’t know then what that feeling meant. My first week was eye-opening, going from teaching Year 13 PE to Year 4 English and having my daughters Laine and Jamie in my class. I loved it. That one term turned into the longest school term I could have imagined, three decades and counting.”

A special taonga was crafted and presented to Sir as a symbol of his leadership, commitment and enduring connection to the school and wider community. Though visibly moved, Sir remained his usual humble self. While he may carry the title of Principal, those closest to him know he leads with heart, and always credits the collective effort of his team and community.

Ngā mihi nui, Sir. Your legacy continues to ripple through generations of learners and leaders in the Far North and beyond.

Article written by Ebony Paaka, Healthy Active Learning School Connector