Bellevue school celebrates 50 years
Out and about
Bellevue Primary School in Newlands is marking its golden jubilee with a day of celebration.
As past and present pupils and staff come together today, principal Karen Hardie says it is a privilege to be the current kaitiaki (guardian) of the school.
Hardie says the school has progressed from strength to strength over the past five decades.
Bellevue first opened on February 1, 1967, with 10 classrooms and a roll of 203 students. Now it has 15 classrooms and a roll of more than 300.
Hardie says that while physical changes to the school grounds are evident, what remains is the school’s focus on doing what’s best for its students.
Leading to the jubilee celebration, the school community has been planning a series of events.
One of the highlights is the recently constructed colourful jubilee pathway at the entrance that features hand-painted river stones by the students.
‘‘The project saw the current staff, students and the community demonstrate the school’s values of inclusion, confidence and resilience to create a lasting legacy,’’ Hardie says.
While the current generation of Bellevue students have been helping with the preparations, many former teachers and students have reached out to the jubilee committee to share their memories.
Marilyn McMillan taught at the school for 26 years before she retired in 2012. She was in charge of its junior choir for several years.
‘‘Some of the highlights were singing in the Newlands Mall, visiting hospitals and retirement homes and the senior citizen afternoons.
‘‘We invited senior citizens from the area and later included the students’ grandparents,’’ she says.
Alison Hawkins, who was a student at Bellevue from 1967 to 1974, recalls how one child was rostered to ring the old-fashioned hand bell in each of the school playgrounds.
The school even played host to an advertisement shoot once, says former student Delys Magill.
‘‘Fanta maybe, we all had yoyos given to us. I also remember the school galas where they always put down a hangi and a fancydress parade.’’
The golden jubilee celebration will kick off with a powhiri at the school’s hall. It will also feature students’ performances, food stalls, rock and roll dancing, a photo exhibition, games and a raffle draw.
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Bellevue Golden Jubilee Celebration, 11am-3pm today at Bellevue Primary School, 12 Bancroft Terrace, Newlands.