Kia ora koutou, ko Geoff Wallis tōku ingoa.
I had the privilege of teaching at Middleton Grange School from 2016 to 2022. My time there was filled with joy, purpose, and countless memorable moments. I began my journey teaching Year 6 students in the primary school, where I had the opportunity to nurture curiosity, leadership, and faith in our senior primary learners. Later, I moved to the junior school, teaching the wonderful Year 1 students, which reminded me daily of the beauty of learning through play, discovery, and wonder.
There are so many memories from my years of teaching at Middleton Grange School that I will always treasure. One of my favourites was watching the cherry tree in the junior school blossom each year, a simple yet beautiful reminder of God’s creation and renewal. The staff across the whole school were incredibly supportive and welcoming, fostering a genuine sense of whanaungatanga and collaboration that made Middleton such a special place to work. My wife, Emma (a previous Middleton Grange pupil), and I have 3 children who also attend this school. I loved having them in the primary school while I was there too – that was really special.
I am particularly grateful for the leadership of Mr Rod Thompson, who was the head of primary during my time there. His wisdom, faith, and encouragement helped shape my approach to teaching and leadership. Another highlight was the unforgettable Year 6 camps, a true adventure every time, filled with laughter, teamwork, and learning outside the classroom (and, of course, a few legendary moments with Mr Pomare!).
One experience that always stayed with me was regularly walking up the stairs to staff devotions in the senior school. On the wall was a Bible verse that inspired me.
Psalm 121:1-2 – I lift my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
This was a quiet reminder of where our hope is; it is in the maker of heaven and earth! I often think back to how it encouraged me to approach each day with purpose and faith.
Since leaving Middleton Grange in 2022, I have continued my journey in education and am now the Tumuaki Tuarua / Deputy Principal at Our Lady of the Assumption School (OLA) in Hoon Hay, Christchurch. It is a deeply rewarding role where I get to work alongside a dedicated team of teachers and support staff. Together, we are passionate about fostering a love of learning and teaching our students to love and serve God wholeheartedly.
Recently, I was humbled to be appointed as a parent representative on the school board at Middleton Grange School. Returning in this capacity feels like a full-circle moment, a chance to give back to a community that has given me so much. I am excited to contribute to the governance and continued excellence of the school, and I’m inspired by the leadership team who continue to uphold Middleton’s strong Christian foundation.
Faith has always been central to my life. I’m deeply thankful to have grown up in a Christian home where I came to understand and experience God’s unending love and faithfulness. Life doesn’t always go the way we plan, but I have learned that God is steadfast, good, and true to His promises. A verse that has carried me through many seasons is Isaiah 40:31:
“But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.”
Even in challenging times, God is always working, shaping us, strengthening us, and preparing us for what’s next.
My encouragement to current students is this: live a full life to the glory of God. Be bold, take risks, get involved, and commit yourself wholeheartedly to the opportunities that come your way. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength! Choose joy each day. Middleton Grange is a special place, a nurturing environment where you can grow not just academically, but spiritually, socially, and emotionally as a child of God.
And to whānau, I would offer this timeless wisdom from Proverbs 22:6:
“Whakatupuria ake te tamaiti i te ara e haere ai ia, a, ka kaumatua, e kore e mahue i a ia.”
“Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.”
May you continue to guide your children in the light of Christ, knowing that the seeds you plant today will bear fruit for years to come.
Ngā mihi nui,
Geoff.