Farewell
Mrs Mairi Fitzsimons
It was with sadness that the end of term two brought the curtain down on Mairi Fitzsimons’ career in education.
Mairi worked at Havelock North High School for 25 years, following earlier stints at Iona, Hastings Girls’, Samuel
Marsden and Tupou School in Tonga. During her distinguished career at Havelock North High School, Mairi was
Head of English, Assistant Principal, and, for the past seven years, Deputy Principal. Hers has been an immense
contribution to our young and developing school. Her advocacy for the place of culture in the school is one of
the reasons that Havelock North High School is so strong in the arts, and the recognition of cultural excellence as
a legitimate and highly valued pursuit also owes much to her drive and energy. In each and every role in which
she has involved herself, Mairi personified professionalism, an enthusiasm for learning and was always a strong
advocate for staff and students. Mairi possesses enormous energy, enthusiasm and vitality and was an exceptional professional leader. She has an engaging personal manner, a great sense of humour, and an abundant laugh.
Mairi’s departure has been a big loss to a school that has had the privilege of her involvement for a long time. Her
knowledge, her infectious enthusiasm an