Mr. V. F. O. Francis, M.A., Dip.Ed., Dip.Soc.Sci. served as Carey's second Headmaster from 1945-47.

Mr. Francis was prominent in Baptist affairs in New Zealand and came to Carey from Scots College, Wellington. For the previous five years he  had been Acting Headmaster while the Head had been overseas on military service.

At a special Council Meeting on 20 June, 1944, it was clear that Mr. Francis received unanimous support as first choice. He was brought from New Zealand and interviewed by the Council on 18 August 1944. He  made a strong impression, confirming the Council's high opinion, already formed by his qualifications and credentials. Steele was unrestrainedly enthusiastic and a senior staff member approved. Council unhesitatingly commended Francis to the Baptist Union who announced his appointment as Headmaster as from 1 January 1945. With his wife and two schoolboy sons he took up occupancy in Urangeline.

Francis' philosophy emphasised strongly his enthusiastic belief in Christian education, holding to the truism that "the hope of tomorrow lies in the right education of the children today", and that church schools have a special responsibility in this connection. He encouraged self-expression as a means of developing the personality of students, and desired to foster the spirit of the community responsibility by the application of modern principles in school government and group activity.

Source: Directory of Old Carey Grammarians, 1997 (pp. 4-5)