Tim Kuipers is looking back with fond memories on 16 years as principal of Ashburton Christian School.
Next week, the 50-year-old will be farewelled by pupils and staff.
He is heading off to Wellington Hills Christian College.
Kuipers was the founding principal of Ashburton Christian School (ACS); it had just 27 pupils in his first year. Today that has grown to about 280.
When he began there he had to set up everything up from resources, finances, staffing, curriculum, overseeing landscaping of the surrounding bare land and playground installation, and even getting furniture.
‘‘We were so fortunate that other schools donated furniture to us as we had a shoestring budget to work with,’’ Kuipers said .
‘‘There were some very long days in the beginning,’’ he said.
‘‘I had no idea what I was getting into when I came to set up the school. I was young, enthusiastic, very idealistic and full of energy. In a way I didn’t give much thought to what I was embarking on I just got on with it and had fun,’’ Kuipers said.
Beginning as a year 1 to 10 school, today it has classes right through to year 13.
Just as he felt called to ACS, he is now being called by God to Wellington, where he has started from scratch setting up a new school.
The highlights at ACS for Kuipers have been the amazing families he’s met, devoted teachers, administrators and those in non teaching roles he worked with.
‘‘The memories that I hold dear are about the people I have met.
‘‘There have been challenges along the way and we have had to dig deep and rely on God to get us through and he has blessed us through those experiences.
‘‘I had self doubt about my ability to do the role. I felt out of my depth at times. I have learned heaps, my faith has certainly grown and I have learnt even more to trust in God and depend on Him as I rest in his promises,’’ Kuipers said.
He had recently been being reminded of how long he had been at the school, by new entrant teacher Caitlin Francke. Francke herself attended the school, where as a 14-year-old she had presented Kuipers with a painting of a parrot.
While excited about the move to Wellington and the new role, Kuipers was not looking forward to saying good bye to the staff and pupils.
‘‘It’s been great to be part of the team at this school as well as being part of the Ashburton community working with other schools and principals, the local churches and the people who live here. It has been an absolute blessing.’’
