Meet our Year 9 Deputy Principal - Stephen Tisch

Meet Our Year 9 Deputy Principal

Stephen Tisch

Tell us a little about yourself?

I was raised in Christchurch as part of a large family of nine - mum, dad and seven kids. I am the second youngest. After graduating from the University of Canterbury and Christchurch Teachers’ College I started my teaching career at Rotorua Boys’ High School. My journey has now led me to Ōtūmoetai College. My wife Nicola and I have three children and they have made us better human beings through the dynamics that come naturally from doing life together!

How do you see the role of Deputy Principal Year 9?

I remember a wise person in a school setting once saying that “if each little person has at least one big person looking out for them, then we’re doing our job”. As Deputy Principal of the Year 9 cohort, I see my role as making that happen. It is like being the coach of a large team of 428 players! Guiding, suggesting and sometimes having to make difficult decisions. Mostly though, I want to be cheering as students achieve their goals and make our world a better place.

Who are some of your role models and why?

Role models I admire are those who have positive values that they stick to. Fortunately for me, my mum and dad are awesome and laid the foundation as positive selfless role models. I realise though that not everyone is that fortunate. Outside of family, my hero when growing up was the All Black Michael Jones. He played the game with passion but rugby wasn’t all that his life was about. He didn’t play rugby on a Sunday because of his faith but was still respected all over the world. My favourite quote from him was when he was asked why he tackled so hard and he said “It’s better to give than to receive!

As you will be travelling with the 2022 Year 9 cohort through their five years at Ōtūmoetai College, what are some of the goals you have for this cohort?

That anyone who wants to achieve their personal best has the opportunity to do so. Whatever their curricular or extra-curricular interest, that they will connect with others and be challenged so that they grow into resilient young people who thrive in, and contribute to, our dynamic world.

What is a little known fact about you?

In 1999, I worked for a telecommunications company in the Netherlands. Het was geweldig!

Year 9 Deputy Principal Stephen Tisch (left) with Year 9 Deans, Vanessa Hays and Craig Grant

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

When making an important decision, list the pros and cons and then sleep on it.