Rangi-mata-rau | Point Chevalier School Centenary
1922 – 2022
Thank you to all those who joined in making our Centenary Celebrations such a success.
Friday 23 September was a day filled with our formal commemorations. There was an amazing, talent-filled assembly where our children shared their learning about the history of Point Chevalier and Point Chevalier School | Rangi-mata-rau. All of these took place in front of a stunning piece of artwork, telling the story of Point Chevalier. This artwork is a taonga of our school, as every child contributed to the collaborative piece.
They shared ‘Dances Across the Decades’, paying tribute to the highlights of each era. Photos were recreated, and stories were told. A number of speeches were shared – some from past pupils & staff sharing their memories, and others from current pupils telling us what makes being a learner at our school so very special. Prime Minister Jacinda Adern joined us via video. After having visited in the preceding week, she still wanted to share her congratulations from the UN Summit she was attending. We were privileged to have the Honourable Jan Tinetti, Associate Minister of Education, join us for the entire morning’s events.
The cutting of our ‘birthday’ cake was an exciting moment, with our youngest student (having only been at school a few days) sharing the cake knife with the eldest past pupil in attendance. Our Student Leaders made excellent tour guides, providing a chance for visitors to take guided tours of the school. The overwhelming feedback from past pupils was how exciting school ‘nowadays’ looks to them. Many memories were shared.
The tour ended in our Memories Room, filled with memory boards – old photos, committee minutes, enrolment records, trophies and awards, sports uniform pieces, the evaluation of camp and the seemingly endless building projects. Great fun was had by all, particularly when they spotted themselves in photos. All of this was viewed by many past pupils & staff as well as those with a long-standing association with the school.
Saturday 24 September was our party atmosphere where we held our Centenary School Fair. There were stalls selling crafts, food trucks, sweet treats, sausage sizzle, a range of games – old and new, memories on display and space for a cup of tea and catch up. Connections were made, stories were told and friendships were rekindled. We were lucky enough to be joined by Olive, who at 101-years young, took the title of being our oldest past-pupil. Golly, did Olive have some stories to tell . . .
