Rotorua school makes poignant trek across city to celebrate teacher's life

An entire school walked across town to celebrate Waikohu Melbourne's life and teaching career this week.

Te Kura o te Koutu students and staff visited Mrs Melbourne knowing it may have been the last time they saw her. They said goodbye, and celebrated her life, and she was pleased they did.

"It was a bit mind-boggling, you don't expect that type of thing," Mrs Melbourne said.

Students gave her cards, artwork, woven kete, flowers and hugs.

"They came round to sing and to say their farewells. It was good to be around to see it," she said.

Mrs Melbourne, 64, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer five years ago. Last Friday, doctors told her she had about a week to live. A week later and she had defied their predictions.

"I feel quite fine except that I can't get around the way I'd like to."

Mrs Melbourne taught at Te Kura o te Koutu for just over two years, and stopped work a month ago due to her cancer.

Although she taught new entrant students, Mrs Melbourne touched the lives of senior students and staff. On Thursday, the school's students, teachers, administration staff and even the caretaker walked several kilometres from the school in Koutu's Russell Rd to Mrs Melbourne's Elizabeth St home. Mrs Melbourne was overwhelmed - she had thought only a few people would be popping by.

Pupils Ngatarawahi Fairhall, 15, and Ruiha Mulholland, 6, were among the visitors. In 2005, Ngatarawahi accompanied Mrs Melbourne and other staff to Mexico on a school trip. He helped Mrs Melbourne with her luggage and generally made sure she was okay.

"It was really, really nice to feel that you weren't left out on your own. He wasn't scared or frightened or embarrassed," Mrs Melbourne said.

Ngatarawahi admitted he was "not really a helper" before the trip, but that changed.

"It made me happy, I like helping. I just love her," he said.

Ruiha said Mrs Melbourne was "fair" and she enjoyed being in her class.

Te Kura o te Koutu principal Uenuku Fairhall said it had been important to be open with pupils about what Mrs Melbourne was going through. Students had been told she was unwell and would be at school for as long as possible.