TURNING off the Parapara highway along a track bordered by fields and trees, you find Aberfeldy School.
A few children were outside planting pots with flowers, hutches with rabbits and guinea pigs were on the front lawn and a large aviary with cockatiels was in a corner.
The entrance to
this small country school was a scene of contentment, ease and comfort.
Principal Fran Lambert personified this relaxed atmosphere.
For her it's all about being connected, being a family and learning in a supportive environment.
Eighty per cent of the children are Maori and most travel out from Wanganui East in two school vans.
Mrs Lambert said most of the children were at Aberfeldy School because they had family connections or close family relationships in the area, but for some it was because their parents decided a small rural school was ideal.
``We are a low decile school because our parents are not wealthy, but they want the best for their kids.''
This week the school, which is part of the computer in homes programme, has serious wireless networking being installed.
Parts of the ceilings had been pulled off, furniture was pushed to the side as the cabling was being threaded in for state of the art computer access.
The upgrade is part of the Education Ministry School Network Upgrade Programme targeting Maori students.
Mrs Lambert came to Aberfeldy 10 years ago after teaching at a large intermediate school.
`` This little school is something special and I'm very happy here.''
The school opened in 1903 in a garden shed on a farm property about 3km up the road.
Up until its centenary in 2003 the school had not had 100 years of continued service.
The Depression, war and the polio epidemic together with the comings and goings of farm workers and their young families meant the school roll had fluctuated dramatically.
In a letter marking the centenary, sole teacher in 1951 and former Minister of Agriculture Colin Moyle says even though he was only at the school, then known as Tauangatutu, for one term he was struck first by the area's coldness and the steep surrounding hills.
He says the one-roomed school was on a pleasant site overlooking the wider Mangawhero river valley which enjoyed a lot more sunshine than where he was boarding with a local family.
The family's home was in a narrow steep-sided valley where the sun arrived late and set very early.
``I would arrive at school around 8am and the first task was to light the stove in front of the classroom.''
There were 14 pupils from 5-year-olds through to 12-year-olds and it was a happy, small family, he says.
``We still are all these years later,'' Mrs Lambert said, smiling.
An integral part of this school family is dedicated volunteer, Doris Hamlin, a retired teacher.
At 83, Mrs Hamlin has no intention of stopping.
``No definitely not. I'm healthy, I'm still fit and I love being with children.''
Having trained in SPELD, Mrs Hamlin is an invaluable help with children struggling with reading, Mrs Lambert said.
Aberfeldy is a committed enviro school with vege gardens and a large orchard.
A new fundraising scheme on the board is the raising of 40 chickens with the plan to selling free-range eggs.
The chickens just a few weeks old, are in a pen in a shed behind what was the schoolteacher's house years ago. These days it is the Aberfeldy play centre and has up to seven small kindy-aged kids signed on.
``It is lovely having the local littlies coming along to play group next door.''
At morning tea time the schoolchildren gather for a karakia to bless their food then it's time to rush outside and play for a while.
Sports are a big part of the school and every child is involved, Mrs Lambert said.
``We're big in hockey and rugby here. But we also have several academically talented children too. Every day is a good day and discipline is rarely a problem."-->-->
ABERFELDY SCHOOL Parapara Rd, RD3 Staff: 4 including support staff Pupils: 34 Decile 2 Principal Fran Lambert Mission Statement: To provide a positive learning environment which will help an individual achieve personal standard of excellence to become lifelong learners and caring citizens.-->-->