Napier Street–Freemans Bay School The First 125 Years

Published in 2013 on the occasion of the 125th Jubilee of Freemans Bay School Freemans Bay School is Welcome from BOT chair A green oasis for play and learning Informed by a strong Maori perspective 125th jubilee is an opportunity to reflect for a few Behind them was a long, deep Where a United Nations of students moments on the past. When Napier Street School gully, so the school occupied Become confident, caring and respectful learners opened in 1888, Freemans Bay was a very different place. only the upper part now occupied SandwichedA between the central city and the far western suburb by the “old” classroom block and Who are at the centre of a 21st century learning environment of Ponsonby (whose few residents at the time were, therefore, Engaged in a broad curriculum using the latest teaching methods the netball courts. ’s original Westies), Freemans Bay was already densely In the 125 years of the school’s Involving all of our community to enhance learning. populated with Auckland’s working class. existence its student population has Peter Bateman The bay itself extended inland as far as the beach below Drake reflected huge demographic changes. In the late 1940s Maori all St, and was bounded by cliffs in the west along what is now over the country began to move into the cities, and in Auckland Beaumont St, and in the east by a long-ago-quarried headland many of them settled in Freemans Bay. Sara Jenkins north of Nelson St. The bay had been used for centuries by lo- In the late 1950s the migration of Pacific people into Auckland cal Maori, who knew it by various names including Waiatarau began, and increased significantly in the 1960s and 70s. Again, (‘place of reflecting waters’). Reclamation of the bay took 40 many settled in Freemans Bay and their children attended Na- years, culminating with the opening of Victoria Park in 1905. pier St School, often arriving without a word of English. Many of the school’s students came from the cheek-by-jowl In the 1970s the worldwide trend towards inner-city gentrifi- cottages in the area bounded by Nelson St, Wellesley St, Union cation began, gathering pace in the 80s and 90s until these days St and Wellington St. Most of those dwellings are long gone, Freemans Bay is one of the most expensive parts of Auckland demolished by the Council’s “urban reclamation” –a fact which would have astonished parents at the school only programme in the 1950s and 60s, and the few that remained a couple of generations ago. Immigration rule changes in the were removed for the motorway in the mid-1970s. Until the 1990s have added another layer to the story, enabling people motorway went through, Napier St was a major street linking from countries the world over to move to , most of Franklin Rd and Union St, parallel to and just as important as them to Auckland, where many of them live – at least initially – Wellington St. in the new multi-storey apartment buildings in the CBD. For its first 90 years the school opened out onto Napier St – The result is that Freemans Bay School enjoys one of the most hence the name. Houses lined what is now the school boundary diverse student populations of any school in the country, which on Wellington St. Only Rupa’s store remains. Houses also lined we celebrate as a strength. The school is also enriched by the – Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19240724-48-1 Hepburn St where the big adventure playground now stands. presence of Whanau Ata, in which the curriculum is taught in Auckland Weekly News, 1924 Welcome from BOT chair (continued) ... Sara Jenkins School history by quarter century

Te Reo Maori– and according to tikanga Maori.– Whanau– Ata itself 1888 to 1913: celebrates 25 years this year as a bilingual and now a full The foundation years immersion unit, or rumaki reo. My best wishes go to everyone involved in celebrating this he school’s original in 1912 and the following year vibrant and friendly school’s first 125 eventful years, and my wooden building was a three-roomed brick infant thanks to Sandra and to all our talented and dedicated staff for a two-storey octagonal building was opened. More helping to make serving on the Board of Trustees as much a designT which featured a tower adjacent land was purchased pleasure as it is a privilege. office in which the headmaster between 1920 and 1925. Peter Bateman sat with a window looking In that pre-motorway era Chairman, Board of Trustees into each of six classrooms. Napier St and Wellington St The design was intended to both ran from Franklin Rd to revolutionise school architec- Union St. Houses lined what is ture but was soon found to now the Wellington St front- have serious drawbacks and age of the school, and houses Sara Jenkins was not repeated elsewhere in also lined Hepburn St on both Auckland. sides in the block between School circa 1900 The building was situated on Wellington and Napier. The a slope. The six upper rooms school buildings were situated Auckland War Memorial Museum were used as classrooms, each behind the houses on Wel- one of which gave onto an lington St, with the grounds exterior veranda, and also onto facing north onto Napier St Sara Jenkins a central interior space used and the main entrance. as an assembly hall. The four Between the houses on the basement rooms were found city side of Hepburn St and to be unsuitable for teaching the school lay a gully, which and were used for storage. came to be used as a dump- Further land was acquired ing ground for all manner

Freemans Bay 1905 looking up to the Hobson St ridge Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 1-W1245 of rubbish. The school took six rooms. It went on to last children up to Standard Six for 50 years. The old hexagonal 1938 to 1963: (now called Year 8) and would wooden building was sold for Demolition and disruption do so until 1976. Cooking removal in 1927. Auckland’s post-war expansion than 300 acres of existing classes were held at Richmond The Freemans Bay area at saw new, more spacious sub- housing would be cleared Road School, and end of year this time was densely populat- urbs open up. The school roll to create an industrial zone concerts were held at the ed and was among the poorest fell so that by the mid-1950s it around Nelson St and new Hibernian Hall at the top of and most tight-knit communi- was down to 300 medium-density multi-storey Wellington St. ties in New Zealand. Socialist Post-war, Maori began to communities elsewhere. ideals and movements flour- move from rural areas to inner- Demolition of more than ished here. The school’s roll city Auckland, and nowhere 1000 houses carried on during 1913 to 1938: grew to more than 600. was cheaper to rent or buy than the 1950s and up until the mid- Working-class Freemans Bay. 60s, and the school roll shrank School photo 1928 The chairman of the school accordingly. In the end, less Napier Street School circa 1960. Wellington St runs along the top. unity committee in this period was than a third of the area planned Bob Elsender, who served in for demolition was actually In 1913 a competition among that role for more than 20 years, levelled. students was held to decide a from 1939 to well into the However entire blocks were school motto. The winner was Do Well 1960s. One of his key projects left as vacant land for years, student W. Rainbow’s sugges- was to gradually fill in the including two blocks adjacent tion, Do Well and Doubt Not, gully, and in 1961 the mayor of to the school: one block to the which remained the school’s “ and Auckland, Dove-Myer Robinson, west bounded by Wellington motto until nearby Beresford opened the new playing field St, Franklin Rd, Napier St and Street School was closed and situated on top of the gully. Hepburn St; the other to the Napier Street School was re- Doubt Not In 1950 the Auckland City south bounded by Wellington named Freemans Bay School, Council, concerned at the poor St, Howe St, Beresford St more than 60 years later. state of housing in Freemans and Hepburn St. The council A new two-storey brick build- ” Bay, declared an urban reclama- eventually built social housing ing opened in 1926 containing School motto School photo 1936 tion programme in which more developments on these sites. School netball team 1954 1963 to 1988: closed off for construction of the motorway to the harbour The Polynesian era bridge. The houses along This period saw the large- Hepburn St and Wellington scale arrival of immigrants St were also demolished in from the Pacific Islands the 1970s (the only one left is which, when added to the Rupa’s), and land was taken existing Maori population, from the north-east corner made up a student commu- of the school as motorway nity which by 1973 was 97% construction proceeded on the Polynesian. city side. Amid this chaos the In 1968 the council aban- students were taught in pre- doned the urban reclamation fabs until a new senior block plan, meaning owners of the was opened in 1978 (the 1926 surviving old houses now building had been demolished had some certainty that they the previous year). would not be demolished. In In 1976 the school lost its the years that followed many Year 7 and 8 students due to of the old houses began to be the opening of Ponsonby In- repaired and renovated for termediate School. At the end the first time in decades. of 1977 Beresford St School In 1973 the 1926 main was closed to allow Auckland block was condemned as Girls’ Grammar to expand, an earthquake risk, and a and its students relocated to new infant block was built Napier St, the new combined in 1974. At around the same school opening in 1978 as time Napier St – which had Freemans Bay School. lost most of its housing in the preceding 20 years – was across the world. The current 1988 to 2013: administration block was built Gentrification and in 1996 and contained a com- cultural diversity munity room, staffroom and library, as well as office space. In 1988 Whanau– Ata received In 2008 the Ministry of official recognition and fund- Education required the school ing as a Maori Immersion Unit. to set up an enrolment area, By the late 1990s much of the commonly known as a zone, council’s social housing had comprising Freemans Bay and been sold to private buyers. the entire downtown central The school’s roll declined business district. Existing stu- sharply as many often large dents who lived outside this families (renting) moved out new zone – a significant pro- and were replaced by owners portion at the time – remained Wharf timber unearthed during build with no or few children. at the school but new enrol- houses Whanau– Rau on the other new buildings planned. During this period im- ments could only be taken ground floor and Whanau Wai In 2013 the school stands migration rules were relaxed, from students living in-zone. on the top floor. on the brink of its fourth allowing migrants from a Over the next few years the Fund-raising for a hall re-invention, as all existing much wider range of countries out-of-zone students gradu- began in 2002 and has been buildings except the 2010 two- to become residents of New ated so that now the majority successful but a hall is yet storey block and the Reading Zealand. Many of them settled, of the student roll comes from to be built, because in 2012 Recovery room will make way at least initially, in the central in-zone. the Ministry recognised for a new design over the next city and enrolled their chil- By this time the junior block the school’s future building two or three years. dren at Freemans Bay School. built in 1974 was discovered requirements to be so substan- This process of immigration to be subsiding and in need tial that the school was placed has continued so that today of urgent replacement. A new in the Ministry’s New Schools the school has students from two-storey classroom block Build Programme. The hall more than 40 cultures from opened in 2010 and now will be built along with the Aerial view of the school in 2006 -photo, Auckland City Council Principals Past

E. T. Hart May 1888–August 1892 Judy Hucker tration and community room ment data to plan teaching At this time we introduced on my first day of school and area, and covered in the programmes which recog- Pacific Island language pro- I wanted to see you today Charles M. Carter 1892–July 1919 Deputy courtyard so we could have nised what children knew and grammes in Cook Island Maori, because this is my last day Nelson T. Lambourne 1919–March 1920 Principal gatherings, powhiri, assem- what the next step in their Samoan and Niuean to sup- at school.” This was a special blies, and festive occasions for learning was. At this time I port second language learners moment for Judy Hucker John M. Warn 1920–April 1926 1987-1989 the whole school. We con- was supported by the Board to for whom these languages me and over Percy J. Sefton 1926–March 1930 Principal structed new classrooms and work in Wellington as an advi- were their mother tongue. the years it has faced the problems of building sor on the national assessment I would like to acknowledge given me great Farquhar J. McKay 1930–1942 1992-2000 on fill and dealing with com- and evaluation policy. Maria Tia and Sally Gordon, pleasure and plicated drainage issues. The bilingual unit had the two Board chairs with satisfaction to B. W. Hayson 1943–1948 Freemans Bay School has The diverse nature of the been established and in 1995 whom I had the privilege to see the chil-

– Auckland City Harbour News Frank Thomas 1949–1959 a special place in my heart. school population meant that we extended Whanau Ata by work. And of course no ac- dren who went I live in the community it it was always an interesting, establishing an immersion count of Freemans Bay School to Freemans Tom Davies 1959–1962 serves, my family grew up vibrant and creative place to class to operate alongside the would be complete without Bay grow into here and I loved my time Arch Jelley 1963–1965 work. The staff were innova- bilingual unit. mention of Mike, the marvel- confident, working with the children, tive and committed to ensur- This was in response to the lous caretaker for the past competent and John Sinclair 1966–1969 their parents, teaching col- ing the children were im- larger number of children thirty years and more. fully engaged leagues and staff, and boards mersed in an effective learning graduating from the local Ko- My time at Freemans Bay adults, some N.W.I. Pearson 1970–1971 of trustees. environment. Ruth Lorimer hanga Reo. It was at this time School still brings back warm now with Allan Fenwick 1971–1984 The school faced major and Sue Dunleavy as Deputy that the parents of Whanau– memories. One that stands children of challenges during this time. and Assistant Principals played Ata formed a parent and out was of a student who had their own. Eric MacMillan 1985–1986 The sale of the Auckland City leading roles in curriculum student Kapa Haka group to started school as a five year Val Griffiths May 1987–1992 Council flats had a major development. Our focus was support their children’s learn- old in my class when I was impact on school families and on teaching and learning that ing of tikanga. This developed DP and who came to see me Judy Hucker 1992–2000 the community. The roll was took account of the differ- into a strong and vital group on her last day as a seventh Malcolm Milner 2001–2007 growing and the buildings ent needs of our pupils. We which practised weekly and former and head prefect at were inadequate and under worked on assessment and contributed positively to the Auckland Girls’ Grammar. She Sandra Jenkins 2007–present code. We rebuilt the adminis- evaluation. We used achieve- life of the unit and the school. said “Judy, you were there 1996 the summer hat policy is announced Malcolm ing place in which to work. Learning Pathways and inte- Eric which were completed quickly. complete refurbishment of the Milner I particularly enjoyed working grated curriculum. The staff McMillan The next major project was the library. With the support of the with the Board of Trustees, with were always keen to be involved Schools’ Principal a special mention for Harry in professional development Principal Library Howe who was board chair. and Billie Sturgiss and Sue Service 2001–2007 I remember the parent com- Dunleavy, our very loyal and 1985–1986 and parent

munity as also being very sup- hard working deputy princi- I was principal at Freemans volunteers I became principal of Free- portive of all we were trying to pals, ensured this learning we cleared Malcom Milner Bay School during 1985 and Eric McMillan mans Bay School in 2001. achieve. We had some wonder- was applied in the classroom 1986. The school had been out old The school community mir- ful community events which programmes. Of particular tramping to the top of the through some challenging stock and difficult, and the language com- rored the ethnic mix of Auck- became part of the school cul- note was the wonderful art that Pinnacles, enjoying our times and positive change replaced it ponent had to be supported by land and this diversity always ture: pantomimes, fiestas, art was created in every kind of powhiri, and attending Camp was required. with new Maori-speaking– teacher aides. made it a vibrant and interest- evenings, even a visit from the medium imaginable. Bentzon at Kawau Island were With the School Commit- books and I acknowledge in particular rock band During this time Whanau– Ata all highlights. tee’s support and enthusiasm modernised the support and expertise of the The White also became a full immersion I have many happy memo- we reorganized the three procedures. three senior staff at the school: Stripes, who unit. This was a very positive ries of my time at Freemans variable-space units into Given deputy principal John Scrim- performed decision for the tamariki. The Bay, meeting some wonderful extended age-range units, strong geour, assistant principal Bev – loudly kaiako under Whaea Machelle’s students and their families. and opened up the small support Thompson, and senior teacher – in the leadership developed a cur- Mike Knight and I used to classroom-type spaces that from Maori Shirley Rourke. Each led a courtyard. riculum which was meaningful enjoy our times at the crossing had been formed, particularly parents we team of teachers in the three Education- for all. on Wellington Street meeting in the largest unit. We also established variable space units. ally the My fondest memories are of and greeting the locals as they integrated the special class a unit Freemans Bay School was school made the children themselves. Seeing came by. I wish Freemans Bay into the mainstream. which of- and remains a gem of a school real advances their great sense of accomplish- School all the very best as you The committee chair, Er- fered some supported by a diverse and in providing ment when they brought their celebrate 125 years of amazing rolyn Haines-Jones, and the measure talented community. You are to high qual- work to my office for a Busy service to the children of your other committee members of Maori be congratulated for the contin- ity learning Lizzie stamp, sharing their community. were strong proponents of language. ued development and growing through the jokes at Friday’s assemblies, these organisational changes, Staffing was strength of your school. The White Stripes performing at school Sara Jenkins

Staff and students, August 2013 Whanau– Ata–Rumaki Reo

Tūtakina i te iwi. schools and lobbied for person changed the status of Te Reo Maori to continue in the Family Group class to a Sara Jenkins Tūtakina i te toto. primary so that the children Bilingual class. Tūtakina i te kiko. from the Kohanga Reo could The roll flourished and by Tūtakina i te uaua. continue to learn Te Reo me the end of 1995 there were

Tūtakina kia uu. ōna tikanga. After some nego- four classes, two bilingual and Tūtakina kia mau. tiation Freemans Bay School two total immersion. From Tēnei te rangi ka tuutaki. expressed a willingness to offer the onset to where we are support. They opened what today there have been numer- Tēnei te rangi ka ruruku. was known at that time as a ous teachers who have been Tēnei te papa ka Family Group Class. apart of the development and wheuka. Parents and supporters growth of Whanau– Ata. E Rangi e, awhitia. once again lobbied, but this Along with the teachers E Papa e, awhitia. time with the Auckland City there have been many, many Nāu ka awhi, ka awhi. Council and the Department parents and hundreds of of Education to recognise the students who have played an Nāu ka āka, ka āka. class as a bilingual unit, along integral role in its success. Nāu ka toro, ka toro. with the funding for assistants Tupu he toka whenua, who were proficient with

tupu he toka Mata-te-rā. Te Reo. Nā te manu i kai i te miro Sara Jenkins This struggle was not easy. Nōna te ngahere Te Puawaitanga o Waiatarau It was long and frustrating. Kohanga Reo operated within Finally, in 1988, recognition Nā te manu i kai i te mātauranga the Freemans Bay Commu- and funding was granted, Nōna te ao nity Hall in 1982. Nin Tomas enabling the school to hire a was part of a group of parents full-time kaiarahi i te reo. who approached local primary The employment of this Whanau– Ata, New Entrants to Year 6. Teachers, Kohine Natari & Whaea Machelle Former pupils of Napier Street School look back Ken Campbell Carrinda Page left-handed batsman. In 1949 he Lucy Foster went on a school trip up north Mr Thompson was my favourite Carnival was a competition. The boys loved the woodwork (nee Pell) was named the inaugural New (nee Pell) to Hukatere. We stayed on a 1946–1955 teacher. He was my standard There were two divisions: the club, it was held in one of the Zealand Sportsman of the Year, farm. It was great fun! four teacher. Most of our teach- primer queen and the standard old wartime air raid shelters. 1940–1948 and in 2000 was named as New 1948–1954 My best school friend was I grew up on the corner of ers were ex-military who took queen. To win you had to have We made fruit bowls, boats, Zealand champion sportsperson Joyce Donelan, who passed away Nelson Street and Wellington up teaching after service in the the best costume and decorated machine guns and book cases. I lived in Cook Street and in of the decade for the 1940s. I I was brought up by my grand- five years ago. We were together Street, above the Four Square Second World War. Their style float for the parade, which went Some of us took our skills home Nelson Street. My favourite still have his autograph. parents at 105 Cook Street. The at the last school reunion in shop. It was one of three shops of teaching was similar to their along Union Street and Welling- and made trolleys and street teacher was the infant/primer Every morning we had the family was split and the children 1988. One of the guys was Gor- in a row, the others two being experience in the armed serv- ton Street. Everyone dressed up carts. one teacher. She used to get flag raising assembly. We were lived in different households. don Sutton. In 1954 I moved the fish shop and the Black Cat ices: strong discipline and rule for the grand parade. The boys To celebrate Queen Eliza- me to play the lead roles in lined up from tallest to shortest I enjoyed my years at Napier to Epsom with my mother and Dairy. Most of the kids walked by fear. Corporal punishment dressed up as soldiers and cow- beth’s coronation in 1953, we Red Riding Hood and Gold- and we had to stand up tall and Street School. stepfather and went to Normal to school, although the Form 1 was dished out with the strap. boys and the girls as princesses. all had a public holiday and ilocks and to sing “Away in a straight at attention. We would Mr Davies was my favourite Intermediate. I went on to and Form 2 kids were allowed to Mr Thompson used to walk I remember that Penny Buchan received a medal with a little Manger” at Christmas time. usually sing a song, which teacher, he gave us interesting Epsom Girls’ Grammar until I ride bikes. around and talk to us kids at and Linda Botica won the blue band. I still have mine and When I moved to standard two, would be conducted by one of learning activities and he was turned 15. Our teachers encouraged us lunchtime and he was very keen primer and standard prize. The also my brother’s (he has since I still played these parts in the the girls, and then march. I not grumpy like the female My grandfather bred wire to develop an interest in the on sport. We respected him, he school was able to buy Singer passed away). I am very proud plays. enjoyed the marching. We had teachers. I got to know him hair terriers, and my stepfather trades. I remember when the was kind but firm. He also en- sewing machines, woodwork to have two of these coronation Another favourite teacher was to look straight ahead and swing well as I was in his class for two bought me a spaniel which I was couraged sports and set up the tools, gym gear and lots of other medallions. Mr Towers. I liked his poetry our arms! We had dental nurses years. I liked Mr McInnes as trained and showed, so dogs being built that the engineers gymnastics club. The gym club equipment because of the an- My best friend was Edwin lessons and his rendition of the in the dental clinic and I hated well. Both of them were very have always been part of my life. came to talk to us about its was often invited to demonstrate nual carnival. Our cash-strapped (Teddy) Pownell. He lived on Smuggler’s poem by Kipling. He it when it was my turn to go to understanding and kind. I started work in the office at construction. our routines to other schools, to community dug deep and pulled Nelson St. His grandparents had had to leave due to ill health. the “Murder House”. We used to stand on the the Farmers Trading Company, When the trolley buses were encourage them to also run gym together for this exciting event. a trucking firm and his father He was replaced by Bert My best school friends were pavement in bare feet, even on and then I trained as a vet nurse put in on Wellington Street we clubs. When we got to Form 1 we was a carpenter. Teddy became Sutcliffe, MBE. He was a New Alice Bickley, Rita Milligan and hot sunny days. We had to sing at the SPCA in New North Road, had a presentation all about how The Queen Carnival was defi- went to manual at Vermont a motor mechanic and later Zealand test cricketer who cap- Wah Ying Chau. God Save the Queen after King and worked in that field for 30 they worked. This sparked an nitely the highlight. The whole Street and the girls went to worked for Air New Zealand tained the New Zealand cricket George passed away, and we had years. In 1991 I set up my own interest for me in engineering, community was involved in this Richmond Road for cooking. where he was also their union team for four overseas tours a lovely young Queen Elizabeth. business grooming dogs. which became my area event, which raised funds for We had clubs at school too, like representative. and was known as a successful When I was in Standard 4 we of employment. school equipment. The Queen gym, art, rope and sewing. Reflections from Mike Peter Bateman Caretaker Michael Knight –known to bigger they’re held at public group that met every generations of students as Mike – is the parks. We also used to have the Thursday night. One longest serving member of staff. He odd concert. They were always time they went to looks back on his 33 years at the school. held in the old Whanau Rau a marae way down building. I ended up in one of near Wellington. used to be a furniture maker There was only one alarm. It them: Joseph and the Amazing Sometimes the school at Karl Katte’s workshop in was in a big box and you had to Technicolour Dreamcoat. would organise an Westmere. When I started get the key into it just right the In the late 80s and well into overnight camp on hereI in March 1980 there were first time, otherwise it would go the 90s we used to get street the field. One time for only 102 kids on the roll, mostly off. Helluva loud. One day some kids hanging around the school the Hero Parade along Maori and Pacific Island, with people pinched it and were at the weekend. One of them Ponsonby Rd the a few Pakeha. And I remember driving over to the Shore with lived under the Reading Recov- school offered the field there was one Chinese girl. it. The thing went off when they ery room for about a month. as car parking, for $5 a

Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 580-10940 In those days there was only were on the Harbour Bridge. Each night he’d come back time. The entire field Wellington and Hepburn streets 1964 the old junior block (demol- Apparently they panicked and and sleep there. Eventually the was packed, and the ished 2009) and the senior threw the whole thing into the police crawled under and found whole netball court block, which also contained the water. his stash, including a note- too. There were still 20 Mike stands by the mature rubber tree he planted as a sapling in 1983. office, library and staffroom. Around 1985 the roll started book where he’d written down cars there late There were only a few trees to pick up. In ’96 the current everything he’d stolen. I think the next day. then. administration block was built. he did time. I like everything about the There was an adventure At one stage I put up a sign Before the roof went on above job. It’s great to have the kids It’s good to see them playground made of steel, then saying “Eden Park No. 2 Stand” the courtyard in the late 90s around and to see them grow- it was replaced with the highest because that’s what it looked there were raised flowerbeds in ing up, then leaving, and then come back. “Oh, Mike, playground you’ve ever seen. like half-built. there. I used to plant radishes some of them come back with Made of wood. Must’ve been just In the 80s we had a lot of in them. their own children. It’s good to you’re still here!” before safety laws came in. It sports here. Other schools Whanau– Ata used to go on see them come back. “Oh, Mike, was up by the gum tree near the would visit to play rugby and marae visits in those days too. you’re still here!” they say. they say. top courts. netball. Now these events are The parents had a kapa haka What do today’s students think of Freemans Bay School?

Freemans Bay School is At Freemans Bay School we I like Freemans Bay School At Freemans Bay we enjoy I a au i tīmata ki Whānau Ata He mīharo te Kura o awesome. It’s environmen- play with each other nicely. because you get to play and meeting new friends and learn- ki te kura nei, ko te mea pai ki Waiatarau nā te kaha tally friendly school and it We enjoy computers, playing learn new things a lot. I like ing new things and having fun. ahau ko ngā hoa. Nā te mea tautoko i ngā reo katoa, respects every culture. It has with shapes, running the cross school because I get to play A highlight is camp because we ka tere riro ahau i ētahi hoa pērā i te reo Māori, te friendly students and teachers, country and climbing on the in the sandpit and on the get to do really, really amazing hou. He tino rawe te kura o reo Pākehā me te reo Waiatarau. I a au e rima taku and you can definitely make tree. field. The third thing I like stuff, learn about trees and how Haina. Ko te mea rawe lots of friends. Freemans Bay to face our fears. pakeke, kāore ahau i mōhiotia rawa atu ki ahau ko is the playground, the last is ki tētahi mea, engari ināianei gives you lots of opportunities Whānau Ata. Ka haere jump jam! ka mōhio ahau he maha ngā mātou o Whānau Ata ki like going to camp, trips and We love FBS because we have mātauranga rerekē. fun activities during Funky made lots of good friends here. te noho marae i a tau. Ko Fridays. We have a great library and play- tētahi atu mea pai, ko te ground. We get the opportunity When I first started at Freemans Bay Schools – Freemans Bay School is special to go on some great adventures Whanau Ata, Freemans Bay Got Talent. because we celebrate lots of together. School, my favourite thing different events throughout were my friends because it was Freemans Bay School is the year such as art week, pool easy to make new friends here. amazing because they sup- party and the Italian Festival. The school is awesome. When port all languages, like Maori, Friendships at Freemans Bay I was just five years old, I English and Chinese. The best – are awesome because our didn’t know anything, but now part for me is Whanau Ata. I know lots of different things. We in Whanau– Ata get to go

school is so multicultural. Our Sara Jenkins school is very lucky because we on a noho marae every year. have access to a wide variety Another thing that I like about of technology. That’s why our Freemans Bay School is Free- school is cool! mans Bay’s Got Talent. What do today’s students think of Freemans Bay School?

We have so many people from all over the world and We like Freemans Bay School Freemans Bay is a school We love Freemans Bay School I enjoy the teachers and the We like learning with comput- We like Freemans Bay School we learn about different countries and cultures. We because you can have fun where you can make new because it is an awesome place people. I also like Funky ers and doing sports. We enjoy because of all the new friends go on trips and camps, we work on computers and when learning. You can friends and learn together. to learn and play. We love Fridays because we get to do learning alongside people from we have made and also our use many technologies, and we do lots of sports. The learn different languages like There are always new activities our teachers and our friends lots of fun stuff, like dance. We different countries and learn- teachers. students and teachers are fun and care for everyone. Chinese and Te Reo Maori. and games that are fun to play. and have a great environment also get to do fun things like ing their culture. It is also Everyone is respectful to each other, and we support The children are friendly and and amazing technology. go on camp. At Freemans Bay great because the duty teach- We like doing sports like cross helpful. The teachers help us I love Freemans Bay School we get to do subjects we love, ers and the mediators help to county because we can run. individuality in our school. At Freemans Bay School there is to learn every day. We espe- because every day we learn like art. sort out problems. Others play We eat fruit every day when we lots of space for the children to and play and I like it when my with us if we have no one to read. If we are nice we can have cially like our camp day and play. The teachers are kind and play with. field trips. teachers say I am doing well. they help to make learning fun. lots of friends. Sara Jenkins and beyond, a new administration block and library, and – at ipads, a range of netbooks, and access to digital cameras and last! – a hall. Freemans Bay School will become a modern learn- ipods. We have many visitors to see our curriculum in action ing environment that will meet the learning needs of students and have featured recently on television programmes both here The next 25 Years well into the twenty-first century. in New Zealand and in Korea. The Board of Trustees, staff, parent community and students We are lucky to have links on our staff to the school’s rich past. Current principal Sandra Jenkins looks ahead. continue to be very supportive through the process of rebuilding Margaret Leaming continues to work part-time at Freemans the school. Board chair Peter Bateman and the school leadership Bay School. In the 1970s she was the first female school inspec- team, including deputy principal Sarah Gillanders, Janis Powley, tor with the Department of Education and in the 1980s she Kia Ora, Malo e lelei, Talofa Lava, Kia Orana, Anyong The Board had the Anne Cawley, Susan Ye, Bronwyn Edmunds, Machelle Dick and advocated behind the scenes for the establishment of Whanau Haseyo, Namaste, Fakaalofa Lahi Atu, Ni Hao, Sawadee, vision to create a central Janene Maskell, continue to be at my elbow with wise counsel. Ata. Matua Ross Gregory did his first teaching section at Napier Konichiwa, Greetings! Tena koutou e te whanau, he courtyard in place of the Street School in the 1960s and provides support as our kauma- mihi ki a koutou katoa. demolished Whanau– Rau We have been lucky to have the property expertise of Basil Denee tua today. building. This landscaped and Craig Moller on the previous and current Boards to support hen I arrived at Freemans Bay School in 2007 the school area is a space for playing the management of these building projects. The parent group, I’d like to acknowledge the vision and hard work of those in- roll was 357. As at 1 July 2013 the roll was 426, and we and for people to gather ably led by Paula Hollick and Karen Vincent, continues to sup- volved with Napier Street School and Freemans Bay School in expect to have 500 students by the end of 2014. Around during community port the school with fundraising and community events. These the past and the present. We are fortunate to have a rich history Wone-third of our families are new migrants to New Zealand, who events. The courtyard fun events help to build a city community with the school at its of great leadership and supportive communities around us. It is mostly live in apartments in the inner city. We are very proud to links us with the his- heart. a privilege for me to be able to play a small part in the school’s be so multi-cultural. I often say to new families that we are like an tory of Freemans Bay, journey as it continues to forge an exciting future, supported by Our staff provide a school curriculum that engages, empowers international school, except you don’t have to pay the fees! with the installation of a committed Board, staff, parents and students. and enriches students’ learning. Engage is about being focused nineteenth century wharf piles discovered during the excava- – and committed, empower is about students being in charge He aha te mea nui o te ao? In 2007 we identified that the Whanau Rau building was subsiding tion work for the Victoria Park Tunnel. This beautiful and highly of their learning, and enrich represents our broad curriculum He tangata! He tangata! He tangata! due to being built on a concrete slab over fill. This prompted the functional courtyard has become the heart of the school. Board of Trustees to lobby the Ministry of Education to fund a new which encompasses the arts and sports as well as the three Rs. What is the most important thing in the world? classroom block and to demolish the subsiding building. The two- Building condition assessments on the older school buildings At Freemans Bay School we have made a strategic effort to It is people! It is people! It is people! storey building opened in 2010 as a modern learning environment, has led the Board of Trustees to work with the Ministry of Edu- strengthen future-orientated learning to ensure our students are with classrooms wrapped around a multi-purpose shared Awhina cation to begin shaping an all-new school in the next few years. prepared for their continued learning and work life in the twenty space. This will include new classrooms to meet roll growth to 2015 first century. All classrooms have interactive computer boards, Sara Jenkins

Editorial team Peter Bateman, Anne Cawley, Dale Tifflin, Sandra Jenkins.

Design Alec Morgan

Acknowledgments 1988 100th Jubilee booklet 1963 75th Jubilee booklet Urban Village: the Story of Ponsonby, Freeman’s Bay and St Mary’s Bay, by Jenny Carlyon and Diana Morrow, published 2008 by Random House New Zealand Ltd Cover images: Auckland War Memorial Museum, and Sara Jenkins Freemans Bay School Staff 2013 Published August 2013 by Freemans Bay School Back Row Sharon Yap, Jordan Archibald, Te Rauhi Brown, Janis Powley, Roimata Manaia, Susan Maddren,

Lily Jones, Machelle Dick, Michael Knight, Bridget Lummis, Margaret Whittaker, Emma Owen, ISBN 978-0-473-25749-1 Anne Cawley, Amy Vaughan, Janene Maskell, Sandra Pa’u

Front row Nerina Howe, Michelle Urlich, Susan Ye, Hannah Capel, Dale Tifflin, Ayesha Cooper, Chander Kumar, Jo Watson, Grace Wang, Jane Sun, Judith Rawhiti, Sandra Jenkins

Absent Sarah Gillanders, Tina Fisher, Wendy Rowley, Bronwyn Edmunds, Paul Simmonds, Severine Chelot, Sara Jenkins, Kellie Shimmin The First 125 Years 1888–2013 Napier Street – Freemans Bay School

Souvenir 125th Booklet Published in 2013 on the occasion of the 125th Jubilee of Freemans Bay School

ISBN 978-0-473-25749-1