Michael ANDERSON Obituary

I wish we had more time to plot and plan and grow the rail heritage sector. You were appreciated and valued by so many. I'll take your lessons in humanity and leadership and try to become a better person in your memory.

Mike, you will always be part of my fondest memories of teaching at Queenspark School. You were always innovative, driven to try something different, to have a go, reflect and then have another go. We had some great adventures that still bring me laughter; the exploding balloons over the forest and the new-wave folk dancing along with your infectious barking laugh and renditions of monologues from Reginald Perrin. We had fun, our students had fun and all before the internet. Your generous spirit and your desire to innovate to make learning meaningful for children are part of your profound legacy. Be at peace, Mike.

Mike came to St Boniface in London as a substitute teacher. We automatically liked him and took him into the fold. He subsequently stayed in St Boniface for many years even though it was an hours journey each way. He was a man before his time. He taught me how to use the Internet (so that was sometime ago but no one knew what the Internet was even back then) and gave me my 1st email address. I believe some of my colleagues still have that email address. He showed us interactive white boards when we were just getting rid of blackboards. What a guy! He was full of fun and indeed as others said you could hear that infectious laughter everyday. He was a dynamic teacher and the children and families all loved him. I still am finding it difficult to believe he is gone so soon. He was to visit me in Ireland one day but sadly now that won't happen. I hope he knew how highly he was regarded and how much loved he was. Sending my love and sympathy to his family and I hope these small words can give some kind of healing for them in this time of grief

Whilst working at St Boniface in South London, a young supply teacher from New Zealand arrived one day.... Mr Anderson, who, quite literally, took all of the teachers and all of the kids by storm. We all knew this guy was truly something special. We were all in awe of him from day one and he quickly became a firm favourite in the St Boniface family. Incredibly talented, inspiring, with great vision and just a cracking colleague. Many great weeks ended with many great Friday evenings. Parties, quiz nights, school trips - Mike was always great, vibrant company. An absolute legend. I do believe he was also 'teacher of the year' in the UK at one point, a much deserved achievement. I was so so sorry to hear that he was taken from this world at such a young age. But I know that he lives on in so, so many children's and teacher's memories. Truly one in a million xxx

Mike was a colleague of mine in London in the 1990's in St Boniface. He arrived as a substitute teacher and ended up staying for a number of years even though his commute was about an hour there and back. He was a very much loved member of our St Boniface family and as others have said we remember well his booming laughter. He was before his time, introducing me to the world of "email" (now we're going back a few years) and giving me my 1st email address. He introduced "interactive whiteboards" when we had just gotten rid of blackboards. He was a great educator and children and families loved him. I was so very sorry last week when I learned of his untimely departure from this world and really still taking it in. Rest easy Mike and know that you were loved.

Sending heartfelt condolences and love from London to Mike´s family and friends.

Mike´s St Boniface School family were deeply saddened to hear of his death.

SUCH a privilege to have worked closely with Mike early on in his career during his time in the UK.
A wonderful human being, a truly inspirational teacher and an incredible visionary who always saw what needed to be done and exactly how to do it.
His commitment, care and compassion knew no bounds.....and neither did his capacity for living life to the full.....
SO much fun, so many laughs.
We had a great and very memorable chapter with Mike Anderson. He made many life long friends in London. We were devastated to learn of his passing. A life cut short but a long lasting impact on the lives of so many children, families and colleagues...... such a significant, impressive legacy.
And yes, that "booming laugh" ..... I am smiling as I recall that sound and the happiest of memories...... to be treasured forever.
Rest in peace lovely friend.
Lisa xxx

Dear Mike

Been thinking about the times we shared; eating cheap muffins in the cafe at teacher´s college, leaving our assignments to the night before they were due, using you to try and convince others who just didn´t `get it´, talking and debating with passion about the next educational concept. My deepest condolences to your wonderful family.

KB

Lived with Mike in England, looked up to him as a patriarch in a way and as a good friend. He had a great booming laugh and put up with a lot of nonsense. Only fond memories of him.

So saddened to hear of the passing of Mike. I had the privilege of knowing Mike as a parent and teaching staff at Queenspark School. He was an exceptional teacher and Queenspark were very lucky to have such an inspiring person. I will always remember his infectious laughter that boomed out of the staffroom and his sense of humour. Rest in peace Mike.

My sincere condolences to Mike's family, friends and school community.

I first met Mike when sharing speaking duties at a conference in Parramatta, Sydney. Since then we had formed a close friendship, visiting each other's schools on a number of occassions, sharing ideas and challenging each other especially around educational philosophy.

Mike was an outstanding leader, educationalist and mentor to others in their professional growth. He always had the welfare of those in his care as his highest priority. A strong advocate for his community and an inspiration to others.

He will be sadly missed.

Cheers mate
Tony Bryant
Retired principal
Silverton P.S.
N elbourne.

2008 North Loburn School. Remembering our organisation of Kids Congress and Cafe Karetu for South Island Apple Bus Tours. Also our participation in Rock Our World. Happy memories.

My sincere condolences to Mike's family, friends and school community.

I have many fond memories of Mike. I first met Mike sharing speaking duties at a conference in Parramatta and since then remained close friends, bouncing ideas off each other as fellow principals. We often visited each others schools and supported our endeavours to provide a good educational environment for our communities. Mike to me was an outstanding leader and person who cared about his family, friends and school community. Highly respected in his areas of expertise and a great mentor to many in their career progression.
He will be sadly missed but remain in our thoughts.
Cheers mate.
Tony Bryant
Former principal
Silverton P.S.
Melbourne
Australia.

Sending love and light, Mike was an awesome person , really enjoyed going through Teachers college with him as well .. May he rest in love xxx

Michael, you were a great school mate and friend. I cannot believe you have departed us so soon. So whether your on the last train to clarkville or the midnight express to Georgia have a great journey . RIP bud xx

My sympathy goes to Mike´s family, his colleagues, and his friends. I had the privilege to work with Mike and his principal colleagues of North-west Christchurch, for several years after 2011. Mike was outstanding as: a leader, a thinker, a challenger and accepter of challenge, a student of best teaching practice. He inspired all of us. I worked with hundreds of principals, primary, intermediate, and secondary throughout New Zealand. Mike was one of the very best of them, and I´m so glad I told him that before he died. Okioki i te rangimarie.

So sorry to learn of Mike's passing. He was such a good friend. Rest Easy Mike, the final budget has been put to bed, days end bell has rung. You will so missed by your Girls. Love and thoughts to Holly & Gemma and their mum Mel. Love as always your "old school Mum" xx Robyn Woods

As a previous Principal, I will be forever grateful to have had Mike as a role model for how to take your community with you on the journey from single cell classroom to open plan. First and foremost, it was nothing to do with the buildings or fancy furniture, but all to do with the vision and belief behind the pedagogy, and if parents understood this they travelled the journey alongside you and the transition was much smoother.
One particular strategy I learnt from him was to have weekly parent guided walk throughs with a discussion before and after the walk through. This helped spread the word that the focus was even more so on the children's learning which was at the very centre of all decisions made.
Kia haere marie koe.
Jacqui Pascoe

I'm so saddened to hear the news of your passing, Mike. We worked closely together in 2016 at Aranui Primary School when you stepped in as the principal before the closure of the kura on the east. You were an exceptional leader who was always present for the students and kaimahi and made a massive impact in the community - that will never be forgotton. I know you will be dearly missed in the education sector as you're a taonga. All my love to your girls and whanau. Aroha nui xx

Haere atu ra e Mike ki te paepae o Matariki, o Rehua. Haere atu ra.

I was so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I worked with him at Waimairi School from 2009 to 2013. He was an inspiring, passionate and fun boss, as well as a friend. He has left a remarkable legacy in Education and touched so many lives. My deepest condolences to his family, may you forever cherish the precious memories you have of this incredible man. RIP Mike, Love from Lillian, Tom, Josh and Chris Pickles.