In the summer holidays of 1972, a group of dedicated parent volunteers spent their days working tirelessly to transform the old children’s health camp in Campbell’s Bay into a modest yet functional school campus. Overgrown grounds were cleared, and rundown dormitories were turned into makeshift classrooms, furnished with second-hand furniture and textbooks handed down from Kristin’s predecessor, St Anne’s School. From these humble beginnings, Kristin was born. Its success, however, rested not only on the determination of these parent volunteers, but also on the commitment of its pioneering teachers led by founding Principal Roy Munn.

 

In 1972, a Headmaster position advertised in the North Shore Times for the not-yet-open, uniquely named ‘Kristin’ caught Roy’s eye. A respected Principal at Auckland's Kowhai Intermediate, Roy was drawn to Kristin’s integrated approach, aspiring to offer continuous education from Kindergarten through to Form 7 (year 13). Upon his application, Roy was also deeply inspired by the founders’ vision to create a family-focused school, grounded in Christian values that promised to nurture the potential of every child. Leaping into the unknown, Roy wholeheartedly decided to accept the role with his wife, Marion, a teacher, by his side. 

 

On 6 February 1973, with the campus ready and 130 students expected, Roy and his fellow teachers arrived full of enthusiasm. However, excitement quickly turned to disappointment when only 62 students showed up. Years later, Roy recalled that difficult morning – admitting he had been tempted to walk away. Yet it was Marion’s calm reassurance, “Don’t look back,” that strengthened his resolve. Inspired by her words, Roy chose to look forward.

 

 

Roy’s decision to stay the course paid off as the school quickly found its footing. Within months, Kristin earned a reputation as a “family school.” And as one news article described, Kristin offered not only academic success but also “an atmosphere of friendliness, fairness, but firmness, in which children can feel secure and happy”. To the delight of Roy, fellow teachers and the school's founders, by the end of the year, Kristin’s roll had surpassed 100.

 

Kristin’s success continued unabated under Roy's leadership as the school’s curriculum extended beyond traditional classroom learning. On summer days, students could be seen walking down to Campbell’s Bay beach for swimming lessons, and the school's trusty 12-seater 1968 Leyland van ferried them on countless outdoor adventures. A mix of outdoor education and cultural development included parent-led activities such as bushcraft, art and music. Hands-on learning was encouraged, building confidence and creativity. 

 

 

Roy guided Kristin through these formative years until 1978. Laying the foundations of the school's character and values – principles that continue to shape its identity today. Though Roy passed away in 1993, his influence endures, woven into the fabric of Kristin’s community. In reflecting on our school motto and his vision for education, Roy perfectly captured the essence of Kristin with the words:

 

“Progress, vision, integrity and love - those important words must be kept in our minds as we equip children for life”.

 

Curious to learn more about Kristin’s history? Check out Kristin Archives Online: https://kristinschool.recollect.co.nz/.