School bells ring good news for Grey Lynn

By LIBBY MIDDLEBROOK education reporter

Iron grilles once spoiled the view into the Grey Lynn School library.

Three years ago they were ripped down, but for a long time the public's opinion of the primary school remained tarnished by a series of shocking reports, staff problems and board dismissals.

Then this week the tiny school earned its first glowing report from the Education Review Office (ERO) in more than 10 years.

"Our ship's finally sailing on the right course," said principal Bill Barker, who was brought in to rescue the school from Government closure in 1998.

In 1993, Grey Lynn Primary became the first school in New Zealand to have its board replaced by a commissioner, after the ERO uncovered financial, maintenance and curriculum problems.

The school had flooded toilets, and in an adventure playground metal spikes protruded beneath slides and jungle gyms.

The board of trustees was sacked, and in 1998 so was its principal.

Mr Barker said: "The school was in a shocking state. I couldn't believe the lack of caring by both the staff and the children. I even had a teacher come to me and say, 'I'm a 8.45 am to 3.15 pm worker' when I first started in the job."

After a complete change in teaching staff and board members, and the introduction of new policies, the school finally seems to be on the right track.

The latest ERO report congratulates Grey Lynn School on making big improvements to shabby school facilities and the quality of education delivered to children.

Many pupils are involved in a free after-school reading programme, run by the University of Auckland, and other literacy projects. Pupils once bullied and intimidated have developed a positive attitude to learning and pride.

A new discipline programme is operating.

Classroom walls are covered with colourful artwork and the grounds boast new trees, a new adventure playground and buildings, and a freshly painted swimming pool.

"It's a big, hairy, audacious goal, but I want teachers and parents knocking down the door to get into this school," said Mr Barker.

"I want it to be the best multicultural primary school in Auckland."

But the school has a severe shortage of pupils, and will struggle for financial independence until its student population grows. Bad publicity pushed the roll from 228 in 1993 to below 100 in 1998.

Mr Barker said enrolments had slowly increased, and this month, the school had 104 pupils.

"It's going to be a slow process building up community confidence again, but we'll get there."

Eight-year-old pupil Solo Tama already has complete confidence in Grey Lynn School, with its slide, flying fox and friendly students.

"This school's cool. It's da bomb."