A sad time indeed…

From time to time, something happens that puts life on hold and tests your general perspective.

On Sunday 9 October Marie Watts died in a head-on collision at St Andrew while en route to her new life in Auckland. Until earlier this year, Marie was one of our teachers; friends and colleagues alike remain deeply shocked by the news of this tragedy. Traveling in separate cars, Marie and her husband Alan were transferring north for Alan to take up his new role as principal at Stella Maris School; and for Marie to be near and care for her elderly parents. Sadly, Marie’s dad had passed away the day before.

Southland was well-represented at Marie’s Auckland funeral by staff from Alan’s St Patrick’s School; Salford (where Marie was until the end of last term), Bluff Community, and Waverley Park schools.

Alan and Marie’s kids spoke well and lovingly of a strongly family and faith orientated woman; she would have been very proud of the way they honoured her, and reflected their family values and upbringing. The Watts family connections with the south are strong; many are mourning with and for them; not least members of our own staff and community.

We extend heartfelt Waverley Park sympathies to Alan and to his family at this terrible time: kia kaha; kia manawanui.