“I’m leaving while I still love it,” says Barbara Scott, a sentiment that perfectly captures her remarkable 50-year association with Pakūranga College.
Barbara’s journey began in 1971 as a 3rd Form student. She completed four years at the college, gaining her University Entrance in 6th Form. “That’s my most memorable achievement from my time as a student,” she recalls. “Getting UE accreditation meant I didn’t have to sit end-of-year exams. A group of us even came back to the college to dig out the garden by the staffroom and get it ready for planting instead!”
Her inspiration to teach came from a passionate 4th Form teacher. “She showed me what it was like to be a real teacher and love it. Before that, I wanted to be a vet, but I never changed after that,” she said.
After completing teachers’ college, Barbara returned to Pakūranga College in 1979 as a first-year teacher, as suggested by her 6th Form Accounting teacher, who later became her Head of Department. “My teachers clearly had an impact on me,” Barbara said with a smile.
Throughout her long career, Barbara has worn many hats, from managing the Stationery Shop in the 1980s and 90s to serving as treasurer for the Staff Social Club for over 20 years. But her most rewarding work, she says, has been as a Dean (Whānau Leader).
She has been part of four Houses (Whānau), including Rimu, Kauri, and Tōtara, but is best remembered as Dean of Mataī, a position she held from 2012. “I just love what I do,” Barbara says. “I love that connection with the students and that I can make a difference. I care about our kids, and I hope I’ve made a difference.”
Reflecting on what has kept her at the college for so long, Barbara doesn’t hesitate. “I’ve enjoyed that there have always been opportunities to keep me interested and keep the passion alive. Student voice and wellbeing have really come to the fore in recent years. But mainly, it’s a great school. The staff are great, the kids are great. Why leave when you’ve got the best?”
While Barbara Scott has now left the college to begin her retirement journey, she is often back, relieving classes and attending prizegivings, showing that you just can’t kick the Pakūranga spirit.
Header image: Barbara Scott in her tutor class photos from the 1980s and early 2000s. She didn’t take a tutor class through the 1990s.
