SCHOOL OF THE WEEK: Community enjoys old school values

LOOKING out the window of their historic classroom, Dean Neilson and Tazmyn Newman eyes bulge when I tell them how old their school is.
Picturing Bethlehem School 127 years ago  has their imaginations working overtime.
"I think the buildings would have been made out of rocks and there'd be no library, no trees, no PE shed, no carpark," Dean says matter of factly.
Tazmyn pouts, before inquiring: "Would they have had shoes?"
Dean is stuck on the answer to that one; and two sets of eyes swivel towards me. "Yes," I say. And both sets of lips curve into a smile, seemingly impressed.
The pair can but daydream about times past, when things seemed fairly black and white.
Bethlehem School in Carmichael Rd is a little slice of history in Tauranga, holding the title of one of our oldest schools.
Now, Dean says, kids have computers and proper writing books. And the chalk is long gone.
But at Bethlehem School there are small reminders of how far the school has come.
The school opened in 1887 as Paeroa Native School, became Bethlehem Maori School in 1945 and in the 1960s, Bethlehem School.
There is only one original school building left from the 1880s. The one-room building is  owned by the Tauranga City Council, and stands next to the Bethlehem Community Hall.
The school is working with the council to have it returned to it, so historical links can be maintained.
Other historical school buildings dating back to the 1940s, are still on site.
In the office of principal Brian Field, is a commemorative book that celebrates the life of Bethlehem School.
Thumbing through the pages he stops when he reaches rows of black and white photos of the school's former principals.
Mr Field has had the opportunity to be a student himself thanks to the school's long history.
Keith Henderson, who was principal from 1957-1968, left behind log books detailing his work at the school, which Mr Field has found fascinating.
What is commonplace today, was fairly unheard of back then; including Mr Henderson's numerous field trips with students to the South Island.
A former pupil of the school Dene Reweiti, has also been able to offer much insight into how things have evolved.
Aged in her 80s, Mrs Reweti is Bethlehem School's longest-serving - and oldest - employee.
She's been working at the school for more than 50 years - and was once a pupil there.
For Mr Field, it is a privilege to teach at a school deeply embedded with history.
Culture, family and values are the backbone of Bethlehem School which at its entrance, has a  carving depicting the three marae associated with the school, Ngati Kahu, Hangarau and Huria.
The value of family is paramount, with one parent taking charge of a scheme to foster a working network among parents.
Based on the school's current "Bethlehem Kids" model, which symbolises Maoridom's three baskets of knowledge.
Those baskets, or kete, incorporate knowledge, "What I know"; skills, "What I do"; and values and attitudes, "What I Feel".
It is described as a learner map that gives the school focus and direction.
 To build on the concept, parents formed their own "Bethlehem Families" network, under which they support families who are grieving or struggling with illness by pulling together. The aim is to "lead by example," Mr Field says.
In the past 16 years the school roll has quadrupled from 100 to 400.
And in terms of retention, this place has them sticking like glue. There is an enrolment scheme in place and currently 27 students come from out of zone.
"We turn down a lot of people that apply because we just can't fit them in. We possibly have space for one more classroom but no more," Mr Field says.
"We now have 18 teaching spaces. Fifteen years ago, we had six.
"The pressure on school management to manage the change in property and curriculum has been huge."
In the late 1990s Bethlehem School established three total immersion classes to support the three kohanga reo at the three local marae.
"People wanted to be part of a school that saw Maori as an important part of their schooling."
Mr Field says Bethlehem School has a "good name" and after 127 years has well and truly stamped it's mark on the community - even if it is frequently mistaken for being part of nearby Bethlehem College and Bethlehem College Primary.
"We do get the odd email, letter or phone call addressed to them."
But like anything worth knowing about, mistaken identity doesn't last for long.
NEXT WEEK: We visit Gate Pa School.
If you know something happening at your local school, we want to know about it. Phone Carly Udy on 577 770, ext: 57514 or email: news@bayofplentytimes.co.nz