An Interview with Year 13 Deans

Yvonne Burmester

What do you enjoy most about being a Dean at Ōtūmoetai College? Interacting with students that I do not normally get a chance to teach. Watching them (mostly) mature from Year 9 to Year 13.

What are some of the things you have learnt about our students in your deaning role? That the youth of today are concerned for other students’ welfare and will endeavour to help out wherever they can. The majority of our students are keen to be involved in their education.

What is your best experience as a Dean to date? Oh goodness. There have been many. Once experience was being able to go on a Year 9 camp and tramping through the mud and the stream.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to Year 13 students, what would that advice be? To take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.

What is a little known fact about you? I have been tobogganing down the sand dunes at Ninety Mile Beach.

I have two grandchildren.

Richard Brown

What do you enjoy most about being a Dean at Ōtūmoetai College? Assisting students who are vulnerable to feel supported and empowered.

What are some of the things you have learnt about our students in your deaning role? Students come from diverse backgrounds and you simply can not apply one rule for all.

What is your best experience as a Dean to date? Being part of a collegial team that makes a difference.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to Year 13 students, what would that advice be? Be guided by valued based principles

What is a little known fact about you? I am not married to Mrs Brown.