There was a lot of love aroha in the room for Murray Burton as he was farewelled as principal of Elim Christian College.
The Times exclusively reported on November 28 that Burton, 66, is to stand down as the college principal after 22 years.
He’s taking up a part-time mentoring role of Elim school principals from next year, and assisting other organisations he’s had associations with, in his specialist area of leadership.
The ceremony to say goodbye on December 11 was more than appropriate for a man recognised as having given so much in not only educating young people but also guiding a school and its community through some tough times and periods of massive change and expansion.
Among speakers acknowledging Burton was the leader who first recruited him for the principal role, Pastor Luke Brough, the original “visionary” of what has become Elim Christian Centre and College at 159 Botany Road and Golflands campus.
It also comes as a surprise to learn in Brough’s tribute that Burton, who has taught and been principal in different schools across the North Island before arriving at Elim at the beginning of 2003, that he “turned us down” the first time the job was offered to him.
“The college has flourished under Murray’s inspirational leadership. We’ve been really blessed,” said Brough.
The farewell assembly also had speeches made by Lehan Stemmet of the Elim board and associate principal Gary Johnstone, lots of entertaining video tributes from past and present students, and uplifting music performances by student musicians and teachers.
Deputy principal Mandy Heim summed up what everyone was thinking with the opening address.
“What a momentous assembly this is. We pause to honour, acknowledge and thank someone who has been so much more than just our school principal for the last 22 years,” she said.
Heim described “Mr Murray Burton” as an advocate for change across multiple campuses.
“A proponent for both personal and professional growth, a fearless leader in the face of both tragedy and triumph, an architect of hope, champion of the underdog, taker of chances, a springboard for teachers entering this incredible yet daunting profession and for students facing futures as yet unwritten, a beacon of hope and compassion for parents navigating life with their children, a weaver of dreams and a faithful husband, father and friend.”
Heim also delivered “an honourable mention” of Mrs Michelle Burton.
“Today would not be possible on so many levels if not for you journeying with us, not just as a parent when your children attended here more than a decade ago, but also as a partner alongside Murray in countless events.
“You have painted, done weeding, provided morning teas, bought quality coffee beans, helped suggest and select great furniture for staging items, and who can forget the delightful ‘surprise musical item’ featuring these two stars at a commencement dinner a few years back.
“I mention this because it typifies your quiet, confident co-leadership with Murray both in the spotlight and behind the scenes,” Heim said of Michelle Burton.
Heim went on to say of Murray Burton: “As a leader you mean so much to so many people.
“You have an innate ability to inspire, enable, equip, and affirm others.
“There is a grace on your life that allows you to create emotional safety and well-being in your staff.
“You position people in conversations to launch ideas and capture hope not only for education but for life,” Heim said.
“This grace can only be described as a God-given calling. Murray Burton, take a bow and enjoy these moments of affirmation and applause.
“You have not just earned it. You are worthy of being celebrated because of the vital part you have played in this whanau community.
“It’s a delight that you will not be leaving Christian education completely, that your voice will still be shepherding, guiding, and affirming the next few chapters of the new season and the next generation of leaders and influencers in New Zealand.”
