Lloyd's long school term

Te Kowhai School caretaker Lloyd Pratt loves his job; students and staff love Lloyd.

For a man who has spent most of his 80 years at schools that means a lot.

Recently he was given a surprise 80th birthday party. Although overwhelmed by the occasion, the attention and the generosity of everyone at the school, his schoolmaster's training and experience shone through.

He was able to share his thoughts and appreciation, especially to the children.

Te Kowhai principal Tony Grey sees Lloyd as an intrinsic part of his staff.

"Lloyd fits in with the culture of the school. He is not allowed to leave - at least not for the next 10 years."

Lloyd Pratt's becoming a fixture at Te Kowhai School was an accident. Six years ago he agreed to fill in as caretaker for an old friend who was looking after the school on a temporary basis.

"That two weeks look like being the longest fortnight of my life," he laughs.

Lloyd trained as a teacher with Marist Brothers and served at Marist schools for 21 years. At 40 he joined the state education system and with his late wife, Jan, served in country schools and Fiji, before joining the staff at St Columba's School, Hamilton. He and Jan both taught at St Columba's until his retirement. Later Jan became principal.

After retiring in 1993 Lloyd looked after his ailing mother-in-law. Jan died in 1995.

The next year he agreed to a trial as caretaker at Te Kowhai School.

"I like a school to look nice," says Lloyd, "and it gives me a reason to get up in the mornings.

"I like it here. I'm on glide time; and anyway, I'm not allowed to leave."