The end of term saw the retirement of Simon Peek, associate principal at Macleans College, after 38 years.
Peek joined Macleans College from Onehunga High School in 1984. By 1988 he had progressed to head of faculty social studies having been head of department geography for two years. “Peek was an outstanding classroom teacher and delivered results of the highest order,” the school said.
In 1991, he was appointed Senior Master, a now out-dated position equating to deputy principal. In 1996, he was appointed associate principal, a position the school was entitled to create due to the rapidly-growing student numbers.
“Mr Peek has held this position for 26 years and made a major contribution to every key aspect of school operations in that time,” said the school.
“One of Mr Peek’s legacies will be the quality of the grounds and buildings we enjoy. The school has undergone a complete rebuild and refurbishment under his guidance. The quality of the modern facilities, fixtures and furniture is thanks to Mr Peek.
“Another lasting effect of Mr Peek’s time will be his impact on our curriculum and standards of academic achievement.”
He was central to Macleans’ decision to take on the Cambridge pathway and he was chairman of the Association of Cambridge Schools. He has also overseen the school’s extension studies and scholarship programme which delivers outstanding results, the school said.
Away from his senior management portfolios, Peek has been heavily involved in the extra-curricular life of the school. He coached the school’s 1st XI football team for 10 years and continued coaching until just recently, when he took over the Macleans College orienteering team.
Peek reflected recently on some of the aspects of Macleans of which he is particularly proud.
“The academic performance is a stand-out, seeing Macleans deliver results at the very top of New Zealand schools,” he said.
“The quality of the extra-curricular programme is another highlight – the cultural arts and sports have out-performed for a state school.”
Peek also highlighted the sportsmanship displayed by the school’s students.
Another highlight, he said, is seeing the children of students he taught or coached now attending Macleans. There are now hundreds of them.
He also remembers fondly the Form 7 Camps, field trips, overseas sports tours and beating Auckland Grammar in School Certificate and Bursary Peek was in Rutherford House and had brief terms as acting house leader in Hillary and Rutherford. He also had stints as acting principal and has worked with all four of the Macleans College principals.
Macleans College principal Steven Hargreaves said, “Thank you Mr Peek for your dedication and service to Macleans College, for your expert teaching, sports coaching, support of our academic excellence, curriculum leadership, dedication to seeing our school built to the highest possible standards, commitment to the Macleans values and wise counsel – we thank you.”
