Flaxmere College is 25

Students and staff celebrate

Flaxmere College held its own show at Labour Weekend when past and present staff and students gathered for the college’s 25th reunion.

“The atmosphere as students and staff arrived in the morning at the school was awesome, as past students and staff re-connected and told stories, even this early in the day, were shared,” says Flaxmere College administration executive Kathryn Simmons.

Current students welcomed guests back with a rousing po¯ whiri, with head boy Adam Ioane and staff member Matua Tangira speaking on behalf of the tangata whenua.

Past principal (1995-2001) Richard Schumacher, past student Riki Haira (1997-2001) and past deputy principal Alex Maehe (2010-2012) responded on behalf of the manuhiri. Principal Louise Anaru-Tangira welcomed guests to the school and Adam Ioane spoke about the school today.

After morning tea, there were tours of the school and a photo display, while current students and staff played an “energetic” game of netball against past students and staff. This was followed by a past vs current rugby match, refereed by past principal Richard Schumacher.

“There were some very sore bodies that left the field,” Kathryn says.

The celebrations were topped off with an evening of laughter, stories, singing and haka, run by MCs Ray Edwards (past staff member 1994-2004) and current staff member since 1996, Jo Lucas.

Guest speakers Richard, 1998 head girl Amanda Hill and current staff member Kevin Gill kept the guests entertained with stories and memories.

“Mr Schumacher was honoured by a rousing haka from past pupils immediately after his speech,” Kathryn says.

“During the open floor session, students and staff talked about wha¯ nau and belonging and their fond memories of their time spent at the college.”

Kathryn says the school received a number of moving emails from students who attended the celebrations saying how much they enjoyed the event, with many memories of the good times had at the college rekindled

“We really enjoyed the trip down memory lane, especially all the laughs and heart-felt speeches and testimonials.

“I have hope that our community’s future is in great hands with the up and coming leaders of tomorrow,” said one guest.

Past students perform a rousing haka after former principal Richard Schumacher speaks at Flaxmere College’s 25th reunion. Eighty students and staff attended the reunion celebrations marking the first 25 years of the College (1993-2018).

Past and present Flaxmere College head girls (from left) Amanda Hill, Adele Eparaima, Lisa Pohatu, Mariana Te Pou, Charlesirene Kendrick, Sharma Moss (current head girl).