Tena Koutou Katoa,

It is my great privilege to be appointed Principal of Dunstan High School. It is an honour to join such a vibrant community, and I am eager to work alongside each of you in our pursuit of excellence for all our students.

As we embark on this journey together, I am deeply committed to upholding the core values that define Dunstan High School: respect, kindness, and personal excellence. These values will not merely be words on a wall but the very fabric of our school's identity. They will guide our interactions, shape our decisions, and inspire us to reach new heights of achievement.

I am originally from Darlington in the North East of England and have over 20 years of experience in different countries, schools and educational settings. I firmly believe that high-performing schools are not solely defined by academic success but by the holistic development of every student. My belief is that true excellence encompasses not only intellectual growth but also the nurturing of character, empathy, and resilience. It is through cultivating a culture of respect and kindness that we have an environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to excel in all aspects of their lives.

I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning community where every individual is encouraged to explore their passions, embrace challenges, and unleash their full potential. This only happens through hard work and perseverance. All students and staff will be praised for high levels of effort and encouraged to improve everyday. 

My family are excited by the prospect of joining your community, my wife Kim, daughter Sophie and my son Matthew. Sophie will be attending Dunstan High School in 2025. We look forward to standing on the sidelines and being sat in audiences with you all in the future, watching, supporting and encouraging our young people to give their best. 

I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to make Dunstan High School a beacon of excellence and a place where every student thrives.

Ngā mihi nui,

Andrew King