John Maguire (54), the school's head of technology and dean, has been appointed principal of Garin College, a Catholic secondary school in Richmond, Nelson.
Mr Maguire said it was his first principalship and he was excited about the new leadership role.
‘‘I see it as a real challenge and an opportunity for me to get my feet under the desk of school leadership.''
He began his 22-year teaching career at Logan Park High School, and has been a senior teacher at Kavanagh since 2002.
However, he has not always been a teacher. He was previously a heavy equipment automotive engineer.
Making the transition from one career path to the other had been challenging, but worthwhile, he said.
‘‘When I was about 30, I had a young family.
‘‘I had known people who had been teachers and I felt it was a real opportunity for me and a great career pathway.
‘‘Teaching was an advancement on the skills I had learned in the industry. I had a passion for working with young people.
‘‘I just took the bull by the horns and got on with it.''
Mr Maguire said he expected to start his new position in May or June.
Kavanagh College principal Tracy O'Brien said Mr Maguire had been an outstanding senior teacher and leader at Kavanagh College.
‘‘It is noteworthy that he is moving into principalship directly from a head of department in technology - not unheard of, but still, pretty special.
‘‘The normal route would be via deputy principal or assistant principal positions first.''
Kavanagh College had created some great leaders in recent years, Mr O'Brien said.
Three years ago, assistant principal Lindy Graham became principal at Craighead Diocesan School, in Timaru; and past Kavanagh College principal Paul Ferris was recently appointed chief executive officer for Catholic Education New Zealand, in Wellington.
‘‘Obviously, I'm very pleased that John is continuing a growing trend of Kavanagh College providing leaders in education.''
