Pakistan lures Tokoroa Intermediate principal
Tokoroa Intermediate principal Phil Straw is heading around the world to a new role in a Pakistan school.
The challenge of heading a new school in Pakistan has lured a Tokoroa principal from a “lovely group of students” he knows he will miss.
August will see Tokoroa Intermediate School farewell their principal, Phil Straw, as he leaves New Zealand to lead a school in Pakistan.
Mr Straw, who came to Tokoroa in 2005, will go to Lahore where he will become principal of a new school that caters to children aged 6 months to 19 years.
“It will be a challenge and it’s something that you don’t get offered very often,” he said.
Although Mr Straw had no intention of leaving Tokoroa, the position presented itself and he believes it is time for something new.
Mr Straw knows this will be a big learning experience and is hoping to take a bit of Tokoroa with him.
“I think Tokoroa has a lovely culture with the students and if anything I want to replicate the type of culture over there.”
While the idea of a challenge entices Mr Straw, he knows there are many things that he will miss.
“Those daily interactions with the students, we have a lovely group of students here,” he said. “I will miss that.”
Mr Straw said he has always told his students to take risks and make the most of opportunities, and now it’s his turn to take up the challenge.
“I think I had to take the position because otherwise I would look back and think what if.”
Mr Straw’s last day will be August 12 and deputy principal Brian Fisher will be acting principal until a replacement is appointed.
Mr Straw said, “I came into the position with Tokoroa Intermediate being a strong school and I leave it as a strong school.”
