Come back to school!

An Auckland school is looking for its oldest pupil for its big bash, says Jacqueline Smith
Parnell District School is a special place for Johnny Chunn. His four older siblings passed through before him, two cousins are there and another is starting soon. The iconic building on St Stephens Ave is part of many Auckland families' histories. Now, its students are asking for help to find the oldest living pupil to be guest of honour at their school's 135th birthday party on Sunday, April 13. "It could be someone in a rest home, it could be someone reading this newspaper, it could be anyone in Auckland," says principal Garry Cain. While it's been on the current site for 75 years, Parnell District School was housed in a building on Parnell Rise for 80 years prior; Principal Garry Cain believes that makes the school the second oldest in Auckland. Mr Cain says pupils are aware of the historical significance of their school. Recent renovations have left the original wood panels and windows to remind the children of its history. These remnants, and antique biology tools and other artefacts displayed in the old building, will no doubt evoke a flood of memories for the guest of honour, says Mr Cain.
Help the kids with their quest: if you think you are, or know, the oldest pupil of Parnell District School, call (09) 379 3942 or email office@parnell.school.nz