Long-serving Karamu High School deputy principal farewelled in moving ceremony
Long-serving Karamu High School Deputy Principal and PE teacher Wayne Wooster may have retired, but his legacy will continue with the gym named in his honour.
Mr Wooster, affectionately known as Mr Woo, was given a fitting send-off after 44 years at the school, with more than 300 people in attendance at a student, whānau and community farewell, last Tuesday. He was supported by his partner Roz Barley, and his grandchildren.
Laughter and tears flooded the room as current and former students spoke of the impact he has had on them, and a rousing haka was performed.
His final speech was peppered with his trademark humour and the occasional tears.
While the 66-year-old had originally planned to retire after 50 years, a stroke earlier this year, and two months in hospital, meant he has had to instead focus on his health.
“This wasn’t part of the master plan for me,” he admits.
“My plan before I had this unfortunate incident was to try and see the Year 9 group that’s just started, out the other end. That would take me to 49 and then I’d stay here for one more year, just what the hell, to get to the big 50 and then go from there.”
Regardless, Mr Wooster says he feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to be at Karamu for as long as he has.
Now-retired Karamu High School Deputy Principal Wayne Wooster (right) being presented with a toki by ex-student and parent Aaron Greaves. Photo/Supplied.
He began his teaching career in 1979 as a 22-year-old Physical Education teacher.
Three years later he became the youngest Head of Department at the age of 25.
Outside the classroom, he played No8 or blindside flanker for the Magpies during the 1984-85 seasons and also coached the Magpies to a division two semifinal finish in 1999.
And although he had never previously considered senior management, the last 20 years have seen him in the role of Deputy Principal, while also teaching a Year 13
Physical Education class.
“I think probably the biggest satisfaction I have gotten out of it is being able to understand each student and their whanau. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to teach three generations, in some cases.
“They come and in so timid and scared at year nine, and then they come out the other end confident young adults. You feel like you've had a little bit to do with that.”
Mr Wooster says his PE teacher at Gisborne Boys’ High School made such an impression on him growing up, that he decided to become a teacher.
“I was mad keen on sport when I was in high school, and I didn't really know what I wanted to do, but I had a PE teacher and I saw him as a bit of a mentor. I thought, ‘Oh, I wouldn't mind being like him’.”
“My nanny, who was a teacher, wanted me to be a doctor. I'm glad I didn't end up going down that path because I'm probably one of the very few, really lucky ones that can say I've loved my job every day.”
Karamu High School students, staff and the wider community perform a haka to Wayne Wooster (left) and his partner Roz Barley. Photo/Supplied.
The farewell was livestreamed by ex-student John Norris, of Engage Video Creation, and has so far been watched by more than 8,000 viewers. Another demonstration of Mr Wooster’s breadth of contact.
For now, the words of one student will stick with him.
“He came up to me and said: Sorry Mr Wooster, we’re going to miss you, you’ve been like a grandad to all of us.
“I said to him that’s nice. You are like my grandkids, but I’ve already got 11.
“You don't sort of mean to play that role, but it happens. It just happens, they get that connection.”
