MIT’s School of Secondary Tertiary Studies (SSTS) has bid an emotional farewell to Principal Toe Pune.
It was not only a chance to thank Toe for the contribution he has made during eight and a half years leading the school but to recognise his retirement after a four-decades long career in education.
“I cannot fully express how much your leadership and kindness have meant to me,” says former SSTS learner, Genique Scott.
“You’ve been a constant source of support and encouragement when I needed it most or simply being there to listen,” says Ms Scott who is currently studying towards a teaching degree with MIT.
“You have taught us that leadership isn’t about titles, but about lifting others up and helping them believe in themselves.”
Opened in 2010, SSTS is designed for Year 10 to 13 students who have been identified as ‘at risk’ of disengaging from education or not succeeding in mainstream options.
It offers smaller class sizes, specialist teaching staff and vocational learning options with a pathway to further study through MIT.
“Toe’s way of communicating and sacrificing his time, understanding what we are going through is comforting and he enjoys a heartwarming presence in the school,” SSTS Student Councillor Felyx Leasuasu told the audience of present and former staff and students at the farewell, who were also joined by colleagues who have worked with Mr Pune throughout his career.
“He sees the potential in all of us and encourages us to unlock that potential we ourselves struggle to see.”
Outgoing Principal Toe Pune at his farewell from School of Secondary Tertiary Studies, MIT
