Haumoana School prepares for Centenary celebrations

School principal Liz Vanderpump and retired secretary Moira Lindsay look through roll books from when the school opened. Photo / Warren Buckland

It's been almost 100 years since about 60 pupils headed to Haumoana School (then called Clive Grange School) for the first time.

Since then, the roll has grown to 170, likely to hit 200 by the end of the year, and the school community is preparing to mark the 100th anniversary.

The school went through the 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake, had air raid practices during World War II and closed for periods of time to prevent polio, much like it had to close during the Covid-19 lockdown last year.

It is a tradition for the school to celebrate every 25 years, with the most recent 1996 celebrations attended by two foundation day pupils.

A time capsule also went in and ex-pupil the late Sir Paul Holmes entertained the crowd with his memories of the school.

"He used to mention it every chance he got," retired school secretary of 30 years Moira Lindsay says.

Lindsay worked at the school from 1986 until four years ago but is still part of the school community.

Haumoana School is a special place for her and she "just loved" working there.

"The kids are always humming."

Principal Liz Vanderpump agrees, saying the children "literally frolic here".

She said the school is a community school with a few fourth-generation families attending

Lindsay said on the day she retired she asked the pupils who had parents or grandparents attend the school to stand up and there was an "incredible" number.

The school has always been known for its location and gardens, and more recently its farm to plate programme and market days.

The community has been a big part of the school with the pool and kitchen being community-fundraised.

Organisation for the celebration began in September and the centenary committee is nearly ready for the event.

Celebrations will begin on Saturday, April 10, at 10.30am with a powhiri and official opening of the new pavilion and deck.

A centenary tree will be planted and there will be an official cake cutting by the eldest and youngest pupils.

Lunch will be provided by the school's on-site farm to plate kitchen and pupils will host tours of the school.

Entertainment will be provided by the school choir, kapa haka group, former pupils and local singers.

Decade photos will be taken in the afternoon before a dinner at the Napier War Memorial Conference Centre.

On Sunday there will be a closing ceremony and morning tea.

A new book detailing the school's history and current events is also being written by Jamie Rae which "started out small" and has just grown in detail since.

The school has retained all its old roll books, including the first one, and these will be on display at the celebrations.

Vanderpump and Lindsay are both looking forward to the event and say getting to meet people who have a connection with the school is the best part.