At the end of this term Mr Phil Hill will step down from his position as Deputy Principal at our school, although he will continue to teach his Psychology class until the end of the year. This year is Mr Hill’s 50th year of teaching. He has been at Avondale College for 34 of those years, and Deputy Principal for almost 30 years.
In that time Mr Hill has been an integral part of the Avondale College community, and has seen an enormous amount of change. He was a member of staff at the time of the great fire in 1990, and was closely involved in the many building projects that have happened since then.
More importantly than buildings, over the past 34 years, Mr Hill has been absolutely committed to the students and staff of our College. Any of you who have been fortunate enough to work closely with Mr Hill, or who have been in his classes, will know that he has the most incredible general knowledge, an endless thirst for learning and he is a teacher that you never have a dull conversation with! Over his career Mr Hill has taught Geography, Social Studies, History, Art, Art History, Health and Careers, and currently Mr Hill teaches Psychology. Psychology is a subject that he introduced to our school in the mid-90’s and he then pioneered its development across New Zealand, including its approval as a full UE subject just a few years ago.
Beyond the classroom, Mr Hill has made a significant contribution to the wider life of the school. This includes giving hundreds of Avondale College students the opportunity to travel overseas during their time at school, and to gain the very special learning experiences that this allows. He has been a significant part of developing our sister school relationship with Daito Bunka and as part of that has led many exchange trips for students to visit Japan.
All of these successes represent only a tiny part of all that Mr Hill has contributed to Avondale College. His absolute commitment to the College, its students, staff and wider community has been unwavering. His contribution to teaching, learning and the life outcomes of the thousands of students who have attended our College over the time of his tenure is immeasurable.
We thank him for all that he has done, and wish him all the very best as he steps aside from the role of Deputy Principal.
- Mrs Lyndy Watkinson, Principal
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