August 18th 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

With the retirement of Greg Fenton at the end of this year, the Board of Trustees of Havelock North High School, following a rigorous recruitment process, is pleased to announce the appointment of Joel Wilton as our new Principal.

We are delighted to have someone of Joel’s calibre stepping into the role as the fourth principal of our school.  Joel is currently Deputy Principal at Havelock North High School and has extensive experience in school leadership and management.  He has developed strong links to our school community and is committed to ensuring every student reaches their potential during their time at school.   Joel has a reputation as a leader with integrity, high standards and the ability to make meaningful connections with students, staff and whānau.  In addition to his extensive knowledge of school operation, the Board were impressed by Joel’s emphasis on ensuring that young people feel connected to school and are encouraged to maintain high aspirations and standards for themselves.  He is a staunch advocate of co-educational schooling and is committed to working with the Board to make Havelock North High School the school of choice for families in our region.

Joel grew up in Auckland and was a student at Avondale College before attending the University of Auckland where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.  He has subsequently completed a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) at Auckland University and in 2019 he completed his Masters in Secondary School Leadership through Victoria University.  Joel started his career in education in 2000 as a Science and Senior Chemistry teacher at Rangitoto College.  In 2007, he was appointed to the position of Deputy Principal at Havelock North High School.  Since then he has also continued to teach senior and scholarship chemistry.  

Many students and families will also have had contact with Joel as the coordinator of the successful Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award programme or through his involvement with school hockey.  Joel has a strong interest in both the arts and sport and recognises the important role that extra-curricular activities play in strengthening a young person’s connection to school.

The Board were impressed by Joel’s clear vision for the school and have appreciated the strong leadership he has already provided to our community as Deputy Principal.  We recognise the high regard in which he is held by the staff, students and parents of our school and are excited about the contribution he will make as principal.  He has a keen interest in the development of young people and in creating an exceptional learning environment for both staff and students. 

Joel holds the view that educational leaders need to role model a love of learning and a willingness to take on new challenges.  He is excited to have been given the opportunity to take on his next challenge at Havelock North High School - a school he, his wife Alisah and three children have become strongly connected to over the last 16 years.  

The Board were resolute about Joel’s ability to confidently lead the school into the future and we look forward to working with him to uphold our reputation as a place where every young person is given every opportunity to succeed. 

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Schmidt

Chairman

Havelock North High School Board

Article added: Thursday 18 August 2022