After fifteen incredible years at Albany Senior High School, the time has come to say haere rā to Nick Wilson, a beloved kaiako whose warmth, wit, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting mark on generations of ASHS ākonga and kaimahi alike. Nick is heading to new horizons at the Northern Health School, where he will support ākonga with physical and mental health needs as they transition back into full-time education.
Reflecting on his time at ASHS, Nick said the memories are countless – but one stands out. “I’ll never forget the night a group of my media students made the finals of the 48 Hour Film Competition,” he shared. “They left the school Ball, jumped on Lime Scooters in their dresses, sped up Queen Street and arrived at the Civic Theatre just in time to win the prize for best school film. So iconic.”
When asked what he’ll miss most, Nick didn’t hesitate: the daily fun and connection with his students. “All the memes, the personal jokes, the nicknames – I’ve heard them all: Nicolas Cage, Nickleback, Nickelodeon, Nicki Minaj… Gonna miss that.”
In his new role at Northern Health School, Nick is excited to carry forward the values that defined his teaching at ASHS. “I’m really looking forward to applying everything I’ve learned about being a caring, supportive teacher in this new context,” he said.
Describing his time at ASHS in three simple words? “Honestly? The best.”
But perhaps what speaks most to the impact of Nick’s mahi is the outpouring of gratitude he received upon announcing his departure. “When I posted on Instagram that I was leaving, I got so many messages from past students – some from as far back as 13 years ago – saying how much I’d helped them. Some stories I knew, but many I didn’t. It just goes to show, you never really know what your students are going through. I’m so proud to have worked at a school where every student is treated with kindness and respect.”
Claire Amos, ASHS Principal, summed up what many are feeling: “There is no question that Nick will be sorely missed by staff and students alike. Nick has a long-held reputation for being deeply caring as a teacher and as a colleague. The great thing about Nick is that this is combined with an equally sharp wit – his passion for politics and satire means he is often the source of brilliant insights and commentary of the politics of the day.
Nick moving on to the Northern Health School, whilst a loss for us, means that he will always retain a connection to ASHS and ensures that his skills as an empathetic and passionate educator will continue to be front and centre and he will continue to serve the student community he clearly cares so much about”.
From all of us here at ASHS, ngā mihi mō ngā tau kei mua i te aroaro, Nick – you’ll always be a part of our whānau.
