Te Puke High centenary a big hit
Up to 700 former students, staff and guests celebrated
Prior to 1923, Te Puke students who wanted to extend their learning beyond primary school had to leave the area to do so. In January 1923, a one-room building was built by local contractor James Saunders on the southern boundary of the Te Puke Primary School grounds.
In 1924, a second room was added. These buildings were known as Te Puke District High School. This tworoomed building, plus a shelter shed, served the needs of secondary education for the whole district for 22 years.
After that time, the school took over the site it now occupies on the corner of Cameron Rd and Tui Street, and in 1954 it became known as Te Puke High School.
Over Labour Weekend, up to 700 former students and invited guests gathered at the school to celebrate 100 years of secondary education in Te Puke.
The party began on Friday evening with a drinks and canapes welcome event.
This was followed by an official welcome on Saturday morning, postrugby, led by kauma¯ tua from Tapuika and Waitaha iwi.
Other speakers included Western Bay of Plenty mayor James Denyer, Te Puke High School principal Alan Liddle, board of trustees chairwoman Chrissi Robinson, former principal Barry Foster and reunion cochairwoman Belinda Develter.
Following the formalities, there was plenty of unstructured time for everyone to catch up and reminisce with former peers and teachers.
Students led tours of the school and there was a comprehensive memorabilia display.
The party mood amped up on Saturday evening with a dinner and dance.
Sunday morning (post-rugby again) saw attendees enjoying a surprise presentation from a group of current students who have created an impressive scale model of the school from Lego.
Those present also enjoyed an incredibly well-researched and sensitively-presented history talk from Alistair Reese that focused on the history of the land in the local area.
Former staff enjoyed their own afternoon tea on the Sunday.
“It was an amazing weekend of connection, laughter, learning and nostalgia,” says Belinda.
“It was a particular highlight to be able to welcome back former principal Barry Foster to the school. Students and staff who were at TPHS [Te Puke High School] during his time there were thrilled to be able to reconnect with Barry and his wife, Robyn.”
The event was the outcome of a huge community effort. The reunion committee, with Warren Webber and Belinda as co-chairs, Gary Benner, Lynne Clay, Josh Crump, Janice Diprose, Liz Espin, Winsome Harvey, Kellie Jepsen, Alan Liddle, Simon Mcgillivray, Patsy Richardson, Debbie Rowan and Charmaine Webber, have been working hard behind the scenes for two and a half years to pull the event together.
“The committee is genuinely grateful to everyone who offered financial support and professional services, and also to those who helped out in the weeks and months leading up to the event and over the weekend itself,” says Belinda.
The newly-formed Te Puke High School Alumni Association will continue to foster connection between former students and the school into the future, with a goal of providing financial support to the school and its students as they strive to live out the school motto, Aim High.