Dear PNBHS Community,
Regrettably, I write to inform you of the passing of a current long serving teacher, Mr Steve Burnley.
Mr Burnley has been employed as a Woodwork teacher at Palmerston North Boys’ High School since 1989, and has been the Head of Department Technology since July, 1996.
It is perhaps through his extensive co-curricular involvement with Football that he will be best known by many in our community. Mr Burnley coached the 1st XI Football team from 1992-1999, 2004-2006 and 2008-2015, a total of 19 years. Given the huge time commitment required at this level, his extensive contribution is exceptional. His involvement in Football at this school is unparalleled and his wisdom, professionalism, coaching ability and discipline were renowned across the region and the country.
In his time as 1st XI coach, Palmerston North Boys’ High School won the National Secondary School Football title in 1994, 1995 and in 2010, an incredible record for a school outside of the Auckland and Wellington regions. Mr. Burnley has been involved in every Super Eight event since Football was first played in the tournament in 1999 and he has won the Super Eight title an unprecedented seven times, including four in a row from 2003 - 2006.
We will advise the school community of the arrangements for Mr Burnley’s funeral when these have been finalised. We ask that your thoughts are with the Burnley family at this difficult time.
D M Bovey
RECTOR
