Former and present pupils, the Whanau Mason band and a spring day were a joyful mix in the celebration of 80 years of schooling at Ratana School yesterday.
Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana founded the school in 1924 and his Akoranga teachings, Ngaranunui o te Maramatanga peace and love, are still practised in
the classroom.
Teaching principal TeRangi Hemi said the school teaches the essential seven learnings of the national curriculum and all the essential skills to prepare its pupils to face the world. She said 98 percent of the school's pupils came from kohanga reo.
"I am honoured and privileged to be a part of Ratana School and prepare our pupils for their next challenges," Mrs Hemi said.
Board of trustees chairman Adrian Rurawhe said the 60 pupils from new entrants to Year 8 learn across all the curriculum in 80 percent te reo.
In the first six years, they learn Te Reo Maori, and when they reach Year 7 the emphasis is on English," he said.
The celebrations began with a powhiri. After morning tea, the Ratana over-60s dance troupe performed, followed by a huge hangi feast for lunch.
The oldest pupil, Nanny Noa Nicholson, and youngest pupil, Tawhiri Maraku, cut the cake and then all the Ratana community signed a banner which will be brought out for future centenerary celebrations.
Pupils sang the waiata they wrote and a golden akeake tree was planted for prosperity. Farewell speeches, thanks to the parents and a church service closed the school's celebrations before the pupils started their holidays.
