Vol. 35, No. 13, April 11, 2019 52 Ingestre Street, Wanganui. Phone 345 3666 or 345 3655, fax 345 2644, email [email protected] ‘Mr D’ retiring as principal of Tawhero School fer.” He does warn them learning.” BY DOUG DAVIDSON that if the receptionist is The school relies on a Principal, Chris Dibben or ‘Mr D’ as he is known around away, he will meet them lot of volunteers. They run the Tawhero Primary School community, is retiring at the O - their own assisted read- end of this term. He has been principal at this decile 1 net stockings and a mini ing programme whereby school since 2001 and will be missed. skirt.” I turned up on the members of the commu- day the receptionist was nity come in and listen to When you meet him school for further prac- away but fortunately Chris children reading one on you are introduced to the tice! was formally dressed. one. The school has had a ‘Tawhero handshake.’ Chris says, “Some par- However, the Open Door number of RCP Bouquet It goes something like [ policy was soon put to of the Week presentations this – shake hands, shake school intimidating and the test when a volunteer recognizing their contri- [[ some parents can be in- brought a student in to butions. together downwards then timidating. Once they are ƽ When Chris took over as upwards, followed by a introduced to the Tawhero followed by a learning as- Principal back in 2001, the [ handshake, we end up sistant teacher aide with school had “lots of needs ‘highlight’ of hands in the laughing and any barriers another student. Both got but even more now. It was air with one leg up and are broken down.” plenty of praise and a a decile 1 school and it shaking of the body at the Chris adds, “Every day number of stickers includ- still is.” The roll is around same time. If you can’t is an open day at Tawhero ing one on the ear lobe. 160 but Chris says, “Up to follow all that – visit the and parents take up the of- [ 40% can move in and out Wayne Ruby, who also got in one year. The commu- a sticker on his ear lobe. nity is very transient.” He had met Chris three His answer to that is years ago who asked if he to “Make the school a could spare a day to vol- welcoming environment unteer. He did and now developing positive rela- he volunteers four days a tionships, a partnership Principal Chris Dibben with students at Tawhero School week. One of the students between the children, a community room with programmes or to improve “Some parents have gone was wearing a hoodie ƽ ƽ reading and writing skills on to study at UCOL or but as Chris says, “we community.” parents. Classes are run with help from ‘Training have gained jobs after- are more focussed on the This is evidenced in a there to help people pre- for You’ and ‘The Learn- wards.” fact that he is in class and number of ways. There is pare CVs, or do parenting ing Centre.’ Chris says, Continued on page 2 Your New Kitchen Elegant, Unique, Handcrafted Joinery | Kitchens | Stairs 06 344 5040 | okjoiner.co.nz Doors | Windows | Commercial 368 Heads Road, Wanganui RIVER CITY PRESS, THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 - 1 Check out what’s in this week’s RCP Whanganui Champions International Jazz Day During my interview Whanganui Jazz follow- meet and greet you.” and walk around the ers are again leading the The purpose of the cel- school with Tawhero way in New Zealand by ebrations are for commu- Principal, Christ Dib- celebrating International nities all over the world ƽ Jazz Day on Tuesday, get together to “learn '( " QX+ : 8 about jazz and its roots, students and volunteers President of the local Jazz future and impact; raise was obvious (see our Club clubs says that apart awareness of the need for front page story). He from a school up north, intercultural dialogue and will be missed but don’t Whanganui is the only mutual understanding; expect him to retire and place in New Zealand to and reinforce international do nothing. That is not recognize the day by host- cooperation and commu- in his character. ing, not only a concert but nication.” (www.jazzday. We have four pages also a student workshop. com). on Poppy Day (pages This is the second year Rodger Fox of the Rodg- 18 to 21) and a range in a row Whanganui has er Fox Big Band fame will of stories to accompany done this. be the musical maestro, the features including He adds, “The New directing a student work- one on the impressive Zealand National Com- shop in the afternoon and (and early) ANZAC Doug Davidson, mission for UNESCO bringing an all-star lineup Day Remembrance journalist@ has recognized the unique to town for the Gala Con- Service at Collegiate rivercitypress.co.nz contribution we here in cert in the evening. (page 21). Whanganui are making in Manny Abrahams origi- Sticking with Colle- ment Village (page 3). furthering the ideals of In- ;\ giate we have a feature Could be a chance to ternational Jazz Day. They in from Australia to add on their latest building see the word skills of have awarded us a grant his voice to the celebra- developments – the the top 24 players in the to help fund our celebra- tions and local guitar leg- new Administration country. tions.” end, Fred Loveridge and block and the revamped Congratulations to Support has also been teacher of music at Whan- H G Carver Memo- Jack, Lucas and Sophie received from the District ganui High School, will be rial Library (pages for being selected to Council with a grant from playing in the band. New 24). Both are stunning represent New Zealand the Creative Communi- Zealand’s internationally pieces of architecture – at kayaking (page 27). ties scheme. Whanganui renowned saxophonist, well worth going into With all the training Collegiate is also provid- Brian Smith, is coming the school to have a they do, they deserve ing their music depart- down from Auckland to look at. selection. ment and Prince Edward showcase his talent. And Whanganui is hosting The story of “NZ’s Auditorium for the event. to add spice to the even- the country’s Na- best weed dog” is The music department of ing, Whanganui’s own tional Championships almost unbelievable UCOL Whanganui will Roots Provider will per- for Scrabble at Jane (page 8). stage manage the event. form with Rodger adding Winstone’s Retire- - Doug Davidson " : O jazz to their reggae beat. jazz club will be there to : pleased that the evening will include people of ƽ - grounds and that students the workshop. is an opportunity to sup- Collegiate starts at 7pm from the workshop will be Lucky Bar will be docu- port an outstanding ini- with tickets available performing in the evening menting the day from the tiative dedicated to jazz from the Royal Wanganui concert. He has contacted workshop to the pre-con- music’s role in the conver- Opera House at a cost all the music departments cert and then the concert sation about making the of $25 for adults, $10 in schools in Whanganui itself and the result will be world a better place – lo- for students and $20 for and Palmerston North and loaded on-line. cally, nationally and inter- members of the Jazz expects a great response to : O nationally.” Club. There will also be The concert at the Prince tickets available at the ‘Mr D’ retiring Edward Auditorium at door. as principal of River City Press - proud to be locally owned & Tawhero School operated Continued from page 1 - the good news paper Tawhero has been running a free daily breakfast for children for over 10 years relying on volunteers. They also have a community breakfast twice a year, 52 Ingestre St , Whanganui ƽ "#$ƽ Ph 345 3666 children as well as by outside agencies, the mayor and the police. Over 300 attend. The children then take their parents into their classrooms to discuss their goals. Chris says, “I go into every classroom three to four times a week, without disrupting the lessons, just to see what is going on.” It shows. When we went into one Time classroom to take a photo, Chris was met with calls of &'(RMƽ+" couple of children came up and gave him a hug. to Tawhero School is also the lead school for RTLB (Re- source Teachers of Learning and Behaviour) with 23 RTLBs covering 95 schools from primary through to smile. secondary. All are employed by the Tawhero Board of Trustees and Chris has been their manager. Although Chris did his own education in Whanganui 8 : ; < = >?8# :>;- ard might be better known as the motorbike rider and mechanic and now part owner of Dibben Schwatz Mo- torcycles. Oldest son, Simon, played rugby for Whan- Make an appointment today ;(@ƾ the youngest, Michael, works for Terry Price Restora- 06 345 3222 tions Unlimited. In retirement, Chris plans to help out at the motorcy- Visit us at Victoria House cle shop, do a rural delivery service one day a week, assist around the houses of all three sons, do plenty of 1a Rutland Street, Wanganui ƽO+PJ working on that Tawhero handshake. 2 - RIVER CITY PRESS, THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 NZ Scrabble Championships being Golf results held in Whanganui over Easter Nine Hole Golf Tawhero Results – 9 April 2019 Combined Munro Rosebowl - Stableford - Round 4 The New Zealand Division 1 ; > ? > = Scrabble Championships Shingles 18, Kaye How 17, Peter Granger 16, Jan will take place at Jane 8>&J- Winston Retirement Vil- ine Boyle 14, Judy Carson 12, Jan Ruby 11.