School marks 150th with outdoor learning space
A new space for outdoor lessons is a gift for Hampden Street School pupils as the Nelson school marks its 150th anniversary this weekend.
One of the school’s oldest ex-pupils and one of its newest children cut the ribbon together to officially open the new outdoor ‘‘classroom’’ yesterday.
Olivia Hodgson, a third-generation Hampden Street pupil, and former pupil Nolan Martin, who attended the school between 1931 and 1938, also unveiled a plaque marking the school’s 150 years.
The anniversary celebrations are continuing over the weekend with meet-andgreets, a dinner and reunion class photographs.
Principal Don McLean said the outdoor classroom was the result of a fiveyear vision, and it utilised a space that had previously been unused for half the year. ‘‘We looked at how we could make it into a space where kids would want to come and gather, that was fine in the winter as well as summer.’’
The outdoor classroom was designed and built by Nelson landscape architects Leaves of Green. It features astroturf and bean bags and is bordered with native trees. A range of outdoor games has also been gifted to the school by the board of trustees. ‘‘This is a very special part of our school, and it stands as a landmark of our 150 years,’’ McLean said.
A number of former pupils were present at the opening yesterday, including former education minister Russell Marshall.
Hampden Street School was established in 1868, and McLean told the current pupils that back in those days, children either walked to school or came on horseback, they were punished with the cane or strap, and it was often said that children should be seen and not heard. ‘‘Thankfully, things have changed,’’ he told those who had gathered for the opening.