Ann bids farewell after 34 years
Room 1 says goodbye to classroom stalwart
Ann Farrand has been teaching at Greenacres School for 34 years and will have memories to last a lifetime when she retires at the end of this term.
The Tawa teacher has been in the same classroom – room 1 – for 28 years.
She joined a small staff in 1981 as part-time teacher aide and administration support and became a fulltime new entrant teacher in 1986.
Since then she has taught hundreds of pupils, including her own children and grandchildren.
She was appointed deputy principal in 1989 and worked alongside Graeme Schofield as principal at the time.
‘‘I’ve taught for all four principals and have seen many great things happen at this school. It will be sad to say goodbye,’’ Farrand said.
‘‘There are dozens of memories, but some of the best ones involve the children and parents.
‘‘I’ve seen children of children I taught come through the school. I currently have triplets in my classroom and I taught their mother.’’
Farrand has a long history in teaching and was a key part of a Pukerua Bay school before making the move to Greenacres.
Word around the community is that Farrand will always be known for her caring and comforting demeanour.
Parents and fellow teachers said that Farrand had always been highly committed to giving new entrants the best possible start at school. Many became high achievers as adults.
‘‘I have an ex-pupil who has gone on to be a doctor, one who works in India and another who is the lead pianist for the Royal New Zealand Ballet.’’
Farrand also spent several years on the board of trustees and has seen many changes around the education curriculum since the 1980s.
‘‘I’ve been part of so many projects and have seen the school grow. I can remember when we got our school hall; they jacked it up and drove it down the motorway in the middle of the night and had to back it up Raroa Tce.
‘‘It was an amazing feat because they had to lift it up and over one of the buildings to get it where we wanted it.’’
Farrand said she was looking forward to an active retirement enjoying her favourite hobbies and beautiful garden.
‘‘Some people were upset when I said I was leaving. I’ve had plenty of hugs from everyone and I will miss teaching. But it’s the right time to do this.’’
She said she would never be a stranger to the school and would have her grandchildren and roses to keep her busy.
‘‘I’ve got lots to do. I’ll be very busy,’’ Farrand said, referring to the 34 years of teacher’s clutter she’s had to take home.
She will take a few weeks off to relax, but said she might look at being involved with relieving as a teacher.
Her replacement will be Ange Lamb.