Robert Mangan started at Tauranga Boys' College as a first-year teacher in 1982, teaching physical education and science. He was 24, a few years older than many of his students.
Soon, he'll retire after 14 years as principal, closing the book on an exemplary 40-year career in education.
The college's sixth principal since opening in 1958, Robert will pass the reins to a soon-to-be appointed replacement at the end of term 2.
Tauranga Boys' principal since 2008, Robert, aged 64, has spent 33 years there, had a year overseas in 1985; and six years' teaching at Lindisfarne College in Hastings. He leaves the school with a roll of 2100 students, and more than 200 staff.
His own schooling took place in Ōpunake, Taranaki. 'My passion was running, athletics, distance running, rugby, golf, every sport.”
Robert went to university to start a science degree, worked as a builder's labourer then completed a Physical Education teaching degree at Otago University.
Arriving at Tauranga Boys' he taught PE and coached sports' teams under the mentorship of Max Heimann. 'Max was an institution and a legend, and has been a role model throughout my career.”
Robert built on the work of those who came before, especially Norman Morris (1971-1984), and Graham Young (1985-2008), who he served under. 'Graham Young was an inspiration in terms of how I've modelled my leadership,” says Robert.
Teaching PE Robert advocated successfully for a new gym, working hard to help establish the college as a place for every boy, where each one is valued. This sense of belonging is a pillar Robert has continued to build within the college, reinstating the House System in 2009. 'Each form class is in a house. There are six house groups which give leadership opportunities to both students and the middle layers of staff.
'Where once 21st birthdays were significant milestones in a youth's life, these days it's getting your driver's licence and passing NCEA. And being allowed to wear ‘the white shirt' on entering Year 13.
Robert initiated the white shirt tradition. 'Boys just assumed they'd step into Year 13 wearing it, so we put a bar there to inspire them to achieve. If boys work hard and are diligent they can still get across that bar and get the white shirt. Those who don't achieve this qualification have a six-week review early in Term 1.”
Robert says achievement is valued across the full breadth of the college's curriculum. 'We recognised that only 30-40 per cent of students go on to tertiary education, so have provided opportunities to celebrate achievement in all career pathways such as apprenticeships. We've tried to recognise and ensure the boys know that with everything they're involved in, they're valued.”
The latest ERO report's comment of ‘Supportive, orderly and caring environment” highlights that the college has evolved, with Robert appreciative of the word ‘caring'.
'We do that well. We have an environment where the boys know we care about them but they are also reminded constantly what the rules are, what will happen if they break the rules, that the rules will be applied consistently, and that we are in charge.”
He's deeply impressed with the depth of character his senior student leaders portray. 'They're not just strong in only one area of sport, culture or academically, but strong in all of them.”
On retirement, Robert will enjoy more exercise and time with family. 'I'm going to take time to unwind and do some fishing.”