Fellowship awarded to OHS deputy principal

Otamatea deputy principal Dirk Smyth has accepted a 2018 Woolf Fisher fellowship.

The fellowship is for a three week study trip to Australia (or other approved destination) in 2018.

The value of the fellowship is $7,000 or up to $10,000 if accompanied and the Ministry of Education supports the award by providing for the cost of the relief teachers employed during the period of the Fellowship.

The late Sir Woolf Fisher, co-founder of Fisher & Paykel, was a passionate supporter of education in New Zealand. In 1960 he founded the Woolf Fisher Trust for the advancement of scientific and general education in New Zealand through its prestigious fellowships and scholarships. When making these awards, the Trust has always sought to uphold the guiding principles and values of its founder.

The major awards provide overseas study and travel for outstanding principals and teachers.

Otamatea High School celebrated Mr Smyth's success with a staff morning tea.

“Dirk is a well respected member of the school who leads teaching and learning as the deputy principal,” says principal Rachel Clothier-Simmonds. “He will be travelling to Australia and visiting different schools to look at their curriculum design. We are all very proud of Dirk and are excited to see what ideas he will be bringing back from Australia that Otamatea High School may benefit from.”

Dr Nigel Evans, secretary of Woolf Fisher Trust (left) is pictured with fellowship winner Dirk Smyth.