Meet Hamber's Real Permanent Vice Principal

Photo Credit: Izzy Jang

Hamber’s new permanent vice principal, Mr. N. Despotakis (Administration), recently began his term for the remainder of the school year, following two temporary vice principals.

Mr. Despotakis started at Hamber on May 6, after previously working as Killarney’s vice principal. His career in education began in 1991, where he worked at Walnut Grove Secondary School in Langley as a science teacher and Head of Science. He took his first vice principal job at Brookswood Secondary School in 2013, and was later vice principal at Windermere Secondary School and Britannia Secondary School. 

He initially studied Biochemistry at UBC, planning on becoming a dentist, until realizing that his passion lay elsewhere. “I just couldn't see myself working in a small space, like the mouth, for the rest of my life,” Mr. Despotakis said.

Beginning at a new school late in the year has been a challenge, as he was immediately given the responsibility of organizing next year's schedules.

During the last month at Hamber, he has been working on becoming more familiar with Hamber’s current site. “Once, a few students asked me to bring them to the woodshop after school,” he said. “I wondered if I’d be able to find my way back to the office!”

In preparation for September, Mr. Despotakis has begun building connections with students. “One of the things I love to do is greet everyone in the morning at the main entrance and chat with kids in the hallways,” he said. 

Fostering these relations with students and staff is important to Mr. Despotakis. He strongly believes that every child should succeed in some way, whether it’s academically, athletically, or artistically. “No matter how big this success is, it's important for students to achieve it so that they know they’re capable,” he said.

He expressed interest in getting involved with some of Hamber’s clubs in order to work with students and make a difference in the school. In the past, he has sponsored an Ambassador Program, Leadership Club, and an Environment Club at Walnut Grove.

Mr. Despotakis revealed that he’s a big environmentalist; one of his passions is “[making] sure that we have this planet to live on.” By educating within the Hamber community and promoting leadership, he hopes to encourage others to recycle properly. “We all have to do our part, even here in the building.”

Another interest he mentioned is seeing Hamber’s athletic department in action. “These activities give kids an outlet, keep them active, and remind them that adults care.”

Mr. Despotakis’ current goal is to successfully move to the new school in a smooth manner. In his new office, he plans on displaying his collection of stuffed animals and trinkets given by his former students.

“They cared for me because I cared for them,” he said in regards to why students have repeatedly given these keepsakes. “I'm very grateful and thankful to be here, and I look forward to getting to know this community and working with everyone towards success.”