The Little School in the Valley. 25 Years On

The Little School in the Valley Our little school — with a roll of over 500 pupils no longer so ‘little’ — retains a unique community character and a...
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The Little School in the Valley

Our little school — with a roll of over 500 pupils no longer so ‘little’ — retains a unique community character and a tradition of excellence. This publication captures the history and character of the Oratia district, school business and highlights, and personal recollections from those who have studied, taught and volunteered at this much-loved school.

The Little School in the Valley: 25 Years On

Nestled in the Oratia Valley west of Auckland, Oratia District School has served its community for 125 years. Published for the 125th Jubilee in November 2007, The Little School in the Valley: 25 Years On carries on where the 1982 centennial book left off to celebrate the school’s history, particularly the last 25 years.

25 Years On

Oratia District School  1882-2007

The Little School in the Valley 25 Years On Oratia District School 1882–2007

Compiled by Pam Thomas and Judy Harré Edited by Peter Dowling A school and district developing and growing

Contents

Contents Seasons in the Valley

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Introductions

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Whaia te iti kahurangi

Seek the desires of your heart

Oratia Remembered

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Ki te tuohu koe

If you must bow down

Oratia Today

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Me he manga teitei

Let it be to a lofty mountain

The School since 1982

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School Photographs 2007

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School Business

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Part of a Community

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Appendices

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Front Cover:Year 0 and Year 6 children, 2007 (photo by Lloyd Wheeler). Back Cover: Hall mural by Graeme Gash. Published by Oratia District School, corner Shaw Road and West Coast Road, Oratia, Waitakere City 0604 New Zealand. This book is copyright. Except for the purposes of fair reviewing, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Infringers of copyright render themselves liable to prosecution. © 2007 Oratia District School The authors assert their moral rights in the work. ISBN 978-0-473-12526-4 First published 2007 Designed and printed by Helio Design and Print, Waitakere City. Typeset in Bembo 10.5 pt and Scala Sans 9 pt.

Introductions

Springtime in the valley, blossoms on the vine Gentle springtime breezes in the rustling pines Springtime in the valley, winter’s left behind Time to sow and time to plant for the harvest time.

The Little School in the Valley: 25 Years On R.A. (Bob) Harvey wrote in his introduction to The Little School In The Valley, published to celebrate the school centenary in 1982: Is there any district within 30 minutes of Queen Street which is more beautiful than the Oratia Valley in spring? Aucklanders know Oratia as the place where you buy apples from the orchard gate.

Chorus Oratia my valley, that’s where I belong Oratia my valley, that’s where I call home Oratia my valley, valley of my birth Oratia my valley loveliest on earth. Summer in the valley, fruits are bursting forth Slowly ripening in the sun, fruits of the earth Summer in the valley, harvest getting near Summer sun is shining down, blue skies overhead. Autumn in the valley, harvest coming in Everybody’s working hard, soon be time to sing Autumn in the valley, nothing’s left to chance Harvest nearly over, now’s the time to dance. Winter in the valley, winter work in hand Rainy days and colder nights, time to rest and stand Winter in the valley, houses warmed by fire Time to sit a little while, sup the autumn wine. Seasons in the valley, thus the years go by Seasons when we laughed and played, seasons when we cried Seasons when the vines they thrived, seasons when they died Seasons in the valley, time goes drifting by. Words and music by Rudy Sunde; reproduced with kind permission of the author.

Introductions

Seasons in the Valley

Oratia has not escaped changing times and many orchards have disappeared. It is still possible to buy some locally grown produce but only four orchards still produce fruit commercially. Much of this is sold to city markets. Packing sheds mostly lie idle or have been converted to different uses. Land use is changing. Vineyards, plant nurseries, small horticultural ventures and large houses have replaced the trees. Landholdings are smaller and lend themselves to more hobby-style uses so what is going on is now more diverse. New families have come to live in the area, bringing new ideas and skills and contributing to the Oratia lifestyle in interesting and vital ways, alongside families whose roots go back many generations and who maintain close links with the land and community. Amongst all the changes Oratia District School continues to play a pivotal role in the area, providing a caring environment where children eagerly enjoy all the benefits of a modern education with the support of caring and dedicated parents and teachers. This book is a further reflection of the first 100 memorable years and a look at aspects of the school, the district and people in the 25 years following the centennial celebrations. What will the next quarter century bring? Judy Harré and Pam Thomas

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The centennial time capsule.

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From the Principal It is with pleasure that I introduce this book outlining events of the last 25 years in the life of Oratia District School. Oratia has a rich heritage of orcharding and other land uses that very much required a pioneering spirit. Over the last 25 years, a wider variety of local use has evolved, including business people, tradespeople, academics and those involved in the burgeoning technology field. All have one thing in common, a love of the bush and ranges they live in. These values are reflected in the children of the area and the values that are important in an evolving school culture. We often hear how children have changed these days and how things were different when we, as adults, were young. However, certain traits and values remain and are deliberately fostered in our Oratia children. A high degree of care, concern and responsibility towards others have always been part of the ‘way we do things’ at this school. You will often come across people who say with a smile, ‘I went to Oratia School’. The smile is indicative that the experience for them was a positive one. Children nowadays are still conscious that they tread where others have trod. I hope as you read this book it will evoke happy memories for you of games played, events held and characters met during your years at school. That a book for the last 25 years has been produced is due in no small way to the efforts of the editorial team of Pam Thomas, Judy Harré and Peter Dowling and the skills of the Vale family at Helio Design and Print. We are indebted to them and all the contributors for producing a history that will provide an emotional experience as we read. Cal Greer

Oratia District School Mission Statement The school and community working together to provide quality education in the best possible learning environment so that every child reaches his or her full potential.

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Oratia Remembered

Oratia Remembered

Mr Sharp had imported over 700 varieties of apples as well as other trees over the years. Mr Sharp also mentioned a large young orchard of Mr T. Parr and the orchard of Mr E.J. Shaw that he considered ‘a good one’.

Waikomiti Orchards

Messrs Cochran and Son’s Orchard Their orchard of about seven acres was a further mile and a half towards the ranges on the left. The orchard was well sheltered by hills and tall pinus insigni. They grew apples and plums with reported immense crops of both helped with a moderate supply of manure. Individual plums of the Pond’s seedling variety were credited with weighing up to 5 oz. This special variety was their favourite.

In an article in the Auckland Weekly News of Saturday 23 March 1889, ‘A Correspondent’ wrote about the orchards then in production in Waikomiti that would now be recognised as Oratia. He said that the Waikomiti district was well known by name but most people associated the name with the Waikomiti Cemetery and only some knew it by the fine fruits of all kinds that went into the Auckland market. He suggested that if more people knew that a pleasant holiday could be spent visiting the orchards, a local waterfall and bush scenery then many would take advantage of such an opportunity. Following are some edited excerpts from his article, though it should be noted that in a subsequent Weekly News publication one orchardist, Mr H.E. Sharp, refuted much that was written about his property. Many of the names of these orchardists are commemorated in street and road names near the sites of their orchards. Messrs Parr and Sons’ Orchard The largest orchard in the district was that of Messrs E. Parr and Sons, about a mile and a half from the station and consisting of about ten acres growing pears, apples and plums. They had almost the largest variety of fruit trees in the colony and sent young trees to all parts of New Zealand. They also had a great variety of gooseberries that did exceedingly well and a collection had been put on show in Queen Street. The previous year (1888) they had purchased a large press and ‘all requisites for the proper working of their new enterprise’ — the manufacture of cider. Mr H.E. Sharp’s Orchard This was situated about half a mile further up the creek from Parr’s (now Knock Na Gree area). The correspondent mentioned 30-year-old trees, but in his refutation Mr Sharp pointed out that he had no trees of that age, the property having been bought by his father on 17 March 1866 when it was then growing tea-tree, flax and cabbage trees. Mr Sharp told how he had been exhibiting at horticultural shows in Auckland for years and at the last show he staged 300 varieties of apples. He had shown apples at Cambridge, Hamilton, Whangarei, Christchurch and received certificates and a silver medal at the Wellington Exhibition. He had also received a diploma and medal from the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London.

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Mr C. Hemsley’s Orchard Most of this orchard adjoined Cochran’s and was about five acres with plenty of natural shelter. It was a young orchard full of promise. Mr Hemsley told that in the two acres of apples round his house he had not found one codlin moth. His simple remedy, and what he recommended everyone possessed of an orchard should try, was to run a quantity of fowls among the trees the whole year round. A good profit could be made from the eggs, the trees benefited from the droppings and there was a saving on buying bone dust or other fertiliser! The view from Mr Hemsley’s veranda was described as really magnificent, taking in Auckland and suburbs, mounts Eden and Rangitoto, the whole of the Waitemata Harbour up to Hobsonville, the ranges for miles, and Great Barrier rising above Birkenhead. Mr Carter’s Orchard This orchard was of about five acres with trees of different ages, the oldest ten years old and bearing considerable crops of fruit.The Damson trees were so heavily laden the branches needed propping up. It was considered the orchard was not sufficiently well protected from westerly winds, as the correspondent wrote: ‘Fruit trees in New Zealand must be well sheltered from the time of planting, or they will be nipped and dwarfed by the cold wind’. Mr Parker’s Orchard Mr Parker had nearly four acres of fruit trees planted in two parts. The older trees had been fruiting well for several years and the young orchard was healthy. Mr Parker’s new house was built on the side of a hill commanding a view of nearly the whole of his land. Mr Kennerley’s Orchard Here were about two acres of well-grown young trees about four years old, mostly apples. More planting was planned.

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Mr Kelly’s Orchard Part of this orchard, which was well sheltered and with soil of excellent quality, was planted alongside a creek where Mr Kelly had run a sawmill some years before. He grew crops of all kinds. Captain Theet’s Orchard This was on West Coast Road with young trees beginning to bear well. It lay close to the ranges and was sheltered by standing bush. Other Orchards Other young orchards in the district were those of Messrs Levy, Summers, Bossomworth, Davison and Seagreen, among others. Mr Levy’s young orchard was looking remarkably well for the short time it had been planted and he was growing a great variety of all kinds of fruit trees, evergreens and flowers for sale. Many of the orchards had been planted with strawberries and oranges and lemons were doing well in some. Several new settlers had taken up land, built houses and were preparing the land for planting orchards. It was taken as a good sign of prosperity when some of the older settlers built larger residences. The correspondent predicted that Waikomiti would, in a few years, become a well-known place if it increased at the rate it had done during the ‘Great Depression’. Eight or ten new houses had been built in the last three years and the houses of cemetery caretakers, the clearing of scrub and planting of blue gums had improved the look of the area around the station. The nearest store was at Avondale, so there was an opening for an enterprising man to open a store. Plenty of cheap land was still available which could be made into profitable farms and orchards, the correspondent concluded:

From the New Zealand Herald 4 May 1891 On April 15 a marriage took place which [caused] a large gathering at Mrs Parr’s residence, Albion Vale, when Miss Parr was married to Mr S.F. Jonkers of Riverhead. Miss Jane Parr was bridesmaid and Mr [Cherry] was best man. The Rev. C. [Worboys] performed the ceremony. The cake brought out was passed round, and all persons sat down to wedding breakfast, after which all went out to the paddock, where all sorts of games were got up, and a luncheon was spread under the trees, when all sat down. At seven p.m. all went to the school room, which had been given for the occasion for a ball, the Waikomiti String Band supplying the music assisted by several guests on the piano. Mr Watt played very nicely on the flute. Shortly after the ball began a tin band turned up, but when spoken to by Mr H.K. Sharp, chairman of the school committee, who informed them that the committee had passed a resolution to prosecute anyone that caused a disturbance inside the school enclosure, or annoyed any party in the school, the tin band went out and played on the road, but the school being a good way off the road they were not heard by those inside. After about an hour they went away, the night being rather cold. The dancing kept up until 5 a. m. when all went away after a pleasant night, all happy and well pleased. Mr and Mrs Jonkers went away on the 16th for their Riverhead home with the well wishes of a large number of friends. Mrs Jonkers will be very much missed by the Band of Hope, of which she was a leading member. — Own Correspondent Words in brackets not clear from the original when transcribed by Dave Harré, 2000.

It is situated so near the Auckland market that even with a small price for the fruit as has been the case this year, a good income can be depended on when an orchard is full bearing. Fruitgrowers being able to deliver their fruit in Auckland themselves have the advantage of those being further away, and do not need to send a cheque as well as their fruit to the auctioneer before they are clear of all expenses as some unfortunates have been obliged to do this year.

Albion Vale.

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The Cochran Family My great-grandfather Alexander Cochran came to the district in 1861-62. Vic Glucina once told me his father had bought his first apple trees from my grandfather. That may have been my great-grandfather, as his son was also named Alex Cochran. A few trees still exist which were obviously planted by my great grandfather with several species of oak, pear, and even a nashi, which was 100 years ahead of its time in New Zealand. Alexander Cochran junior carried on with this work, but times were changing. No longer was mixed farming so competitive, as the advent of tractors and increased mechanisation made flatter land more suitable for orchards, despite the heavier clay soils in much of the lower valley. The Oratia district in my childhood was a place that seemed to have a presence — somewhat like a ‘family’ community.The basis of this was surely that people were all working hard (involving hard physical work) to make a living and raise a family. There was a kinship and common bond as a result. People helped one another, and honesty and unselfishness were major components of that society. The effects of the Depression were very real and then the Second World War added to the burdens and difficulties.The common bond was a common purpose, a feeling that we all belonged to the community and district, and that almost all were hard-working and practical folk. That was, at that time, absolutely vital. It was also vital to help one another. People met at functions at the hall, met at the post office on occasions, travelled together at times on the bus to Glen Eden or Auckland, and Oratia District School was always a focal point. One aspect of fruit growing has always been having a market and getting the fruit to market; for us the market was Auckland City and chiefly Turners and Growers’ depot where it was auctioned. The carriers I remember in the district were Ray Bendall, Jack Harper, Harry Tisch (who sold out to Roy Gash), Ray Allen, later with Frank Allen (Ray Allen sold out to Jack Duncan who later merged with Roy Gash), and Reliance Transport. The major fruit carrier would have to be Mark Marinovich who transported Oratia fruit for decades. Ray Bendall carted road metal for much of the district and had an early ‘tipping truck’ which was laboriously hand cranked, with no hydraulics in those days. His work was a major contribution to the roads of Glen Eden and Oratia. My family’s association with Oratia School has been a long one. I think that probably my maternal grandfather Alex Cochran went there for about three months when it first opened. My mother Mary Ferguson Cochran and my father Fred Whittaker attended, then me, John Cochran Whittaker, followed by my children, Anne, David, Paul and Bruce. Our grandchildren Victoria Whittaker and Richard Walters are present pupils in 2007 and Thomas and James Whittaker are past pupils. Jack Whittaker, Oratia District School 1939-46

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Cochran’s packing shed, Carter Road, Oratia. Possibly the oldest fruit shed in Oratia. Photo taken about 1962.

The Malam and Mills Families At the lower end of Parker Road lies the land that Charles and Charlotte Mills bought when they emigrated from England in 1893.Their home behind the Oratia Church is still there today, lived in by Brian Marsich. Their property of approximately 40 acres stretched down towards Kelly’s Bridge, over Parker Road and across the stream to Carter Road. The youngest of the Mills, Amelia, completed her education at Oratia District School, providing the first link to the school that continues with the fifth generation today. Many years earlier John Malam had arrived from England and set up a brickworks on the Whau Creek. One of John’s sons, Richard Thomas Malam, married Amelia Mills in 1907 and they lived in the white house still existing at 24 Parker Road, raising five children — Edith, Connie, Richard Charles, Cecil and Frank — all of whom attended Oratia School. Richard Thomas served for many years on the Oratia School Committee and also took a leading part in the formation of the Oratia rugby club. Richard had joined his father-in-law in the carrier business, first with horse wagons and later they had the first model ‘T’ Ford. They were the first general carriers in Oratia, taking fruit and produce into the city and returning with supplies for Waikumete, Oratia and the West Coast. When their loaded four-horse wagon went down the steep hill to Karekare they had to chop down a tree at the top to be tied under the wagon and dragged as a brake below the wagon. The tree was ‘firewood forever’ for the people at the bottom of the hill.

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Richard Charles worked with Paddy Barry, reconstructing West Coast Road and shifting it from its course behind the church to its present route sweeping in front of it. A paper road still remains behind the church. Richard Charles married Olive May Wymer from Avondale and they lived in Parker Road with their two children, Olive and Richard Lindsay, until Olive May left the marriage. Richard later married Joyce McIntyre and they had one son, John, who still lives in Oratia. All the children attended Oratia School. Richard Lindsay has always been known as Lindsay. He married Barbara Clark from Glen Eden and they brought up their four children in Parker Road. Richard George, Deborah,Tracey and Tania were the fourth generation to attend Oratia School. With his son Richard George, Lindsay now owns and runs a fleet of trucks, mostly used in earthwork moving. Lindsay still owns ten acres of the original property and has bought their neighbour’s house and land so that all his children are able to return to the family area. Richard George has a daughter, Brooklyn, at Oratia School, and Tracey, who married Scott Murray, has two sons — Mitchell, who is also attending Oratia, with Jacob to come. A short history of the family was written by Lindsay and included in the time capsule laid down at the centennial, to be reopened in 2082, and in all probability read by a generation yet to be born. After the centennial the three Richard Malams, with the help of Ross Latham, placed the large basalt rock on top of the time capsule. Lindsay Malam, Oratia District School 1950–58

The Painter Family Philip Painter bought a house and six acres of land in West Coast Road in 1956. This land had been part of a Crown Grant of 200 acres to George Gilmer in 1885, with a number of owners after that until 1909, when W.W. Dumper, a grocer, bought the land for 200 pounds. Mr Dumper built the original kauri house on the present site and planted the first orchard. He was known to have the best Mobb’s Royal apples in the city markets. After the First World War Mr Dumper sold the property to Percy Allen, a carpenter, in 1919. Percy was a bachelor who continued to live there and grow fruit. When he got older his niece Ivy Warrington and her family came to live with and keep house for him. Bob and Ivy had two children, Raewyn and Terry, who attended Oratia School. In 1949 Ivy and her brother Ray inherited the property. Ivy loved Oratia and bought Ray out and they planted the peach orchard in what had been the horse paddock, and many Golden Delicious trees on the other side of the drain. However by 1956 she was finding it difficult to do the work and so they cut off the piece of land at the bottom of the orchard near Kelly’s Bridge. Ivy’s brother-in-law, Fred Whittaker, built them a new brick house and they sold the original house and six acres to Philip Painter. Philip and I have lived there since our marriage. The house had no street number or letterbox for many years so we picked up our mail at the Oratia Post Office. We did have a milk box though, just inside the gate where the milkman left milk and the newspaper each morning. When we came to Oratia the orchard consisted of a big block of peach trees including varieties such as Golden Queen, Paragon and Wiggins. There were also Doris and Wright’s Purple plum trees and lots of apples, an excellent fig tree, two lemons, a Poorman’s orange and a feijoa hedge. We planted a range of citrus, as well as persimmons, Asian pears and a big block of feijoas. From the beginning we decided to grow organically and we had the second organic orchard in the district. Because of the range of different trees, we had organic fruit available most of the year. At the beginning we sold it mainly at the gate, and later we began to supply health food shops. The original Painter home, built in 1909.

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Gillian Painter

Vlasich Family Originally from Pupnat, on the Croatian island of Korcula, Marko and Jaka Vlasich moved to Oratia in the 1930s from gumdigging in the Far North, with their children, Jack, Olga, George, Brian and later Mark, who all attended Oratia School. They were followed by Brian and Mara’s children, Jacqueline, Debbie, Mark and Ivan, and Mark and Maja’s children, Michael and Peter. Marko planted grapevines on their property (stretching along West Coast Road from Knock Na Gree to the beginning of Carter Road) and founded Deluxe Wines. Brian went on to found Orbrossa Wines, and the Orbrossa Vineyard Cellar became a great meeting place for the community, where everyone had a story to tell. The latest generation of Vlasichs to be proud Oratia students are Debbie and Joe Coury’s children, Paul, Josephine, John and Brianna, and Mark and Helen’s daughter Dayna. Mark and Helen’s other two children, Jessie and Alexander, and Ivan and Adriana’s two children Julianna and Isobella, will follow over the next few years. The Vlasich family has a strong connection to the land and spirit of Oratia, and to Oratia District School. Helen Vlasich

Oratia Today

Oratia Today

Our first four children, Francis, Michael, Lorna and Tristram, went to Glen Eden Kindergarten and on to Oratia School. Bevis, our youngest, was the only one to go to the new Oratia Kindergarten. One granddaughter, Emily, now at secondary school, attended Oratia and another, Ruth, is at the kindergarten. Philip worked on the school committee and the Oratia ratepayers’ committee. Later he represented Oratia on the Rural Ratepayers’ Committee. Both of us are original trustees of the Grace Stark-Brown Picnic Trust.

Oratia District Overview Over the past 25 years there have been considerable changes to the face of Oratia. Family orchards have all but disappeared, with smaller home-based businesses increasing in number. It is now possible to get the help of a life coach, have a range of business services, or buy anything from orchids to carpets. We have lost the blossoms and their scent, the sight of tractors towing trailers loaded with boxes of apples, dogs sitting on the tractors or running alongside, and a large portion of the crop spraying. We still retain the grape bangers that at first annoy newcomers but are not noticed by those who have lived here for years. Some small businesses have gone and others have appeared. Did we fear the closing of the post office? Well we need not have, as we get a great service seven days a week from Drags’ Dairy. Drivers can fill up with petrol at the most western pumps before Piha and get full garage service. No longer need we take a sick pet on a long trip as Oratia has its own veterinary clinic. Home gardeners can buy locally grown native trees to enhance their sections and do their bit towards replacing and retaining the bush setting. Among all the changes Oratia retains its rural qualities. Local events, such as the busy craft market in the Settlers’ Hall one Sunday a month, the Oratia Ratepayers and Residents Association picnic at Albion Vale, the annual Stark-Brown picnic and all the school-based activities are well patronised. Increasingly film companies are using sites for a wide variety of films and documentaries. The government has put forward the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Protection Bill in an attempt to preserve the special characteristics of the ranges and foothills including Oratia.

What Oratia Offers Carpets and Crafts At the beginning of Parker Road is the place to buy hand-picked Persian rugs (including kilims and gabbehs), Afghani bowls, ethnic artefacts, pottery, woodwork and jewellery. The Quilt Shop The Sapich Orchard packing shed in Forest Hill Road has been transformed into a colourful shop for quilters; classes are offered, quilts made to commission, and sewing machines repaired. Groups of quilters can also arrange for a visit with morning tea provided. An interesting collection of sewing machines, hat moulds and other sewing craft memorabilia is on display.

An Oratia landscape.

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0800 For Blossoms Miro’s Orchard packing shed is the place to go for cut flowers, bouquets, gift baskets and soft toys.The whole range of floral work is available, including flowers for weddings and corporate functions. Flowers can be couriered to all parts of New Zealand. Izard’s The packing shed and cool store that Hayward Izard developed in Parr’s Cross Road is one of Oratia’s largest fresh fruit and vegetable shops. Open all year round, it sells a wide variety of locally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables, other fruit and vegetables from city markets, general merchandise, and a range of imported delights. Antiques and Curios Tara Orchard’s packing shed, also in Parr’s Cross Road, was the hub of the Davis family orchard. It is now home to ‘Just Plane Interesting’, a time travel experience that takes you back to a New Zealand that used to be, with rare books, old magazines, war memorabilia, juke boxes, records, china, furniture, antiques and toys. Packing Shed Café In the same area is a café with tables indoors and in the garden under large trees. Paintings, pottery and handcrafts by local artists are for sale there. Specialty lines such as handmade soaps and mosaics are sold from smaller rooms beside the café.

Roko Furniture Makers This team of craftsmen specialise in custom-made furniture, usually to the customer’s design. They work in a variety of timbers; mahogany, oak, jarrah, walnut. This is another business utilising a disused apple packing shed on the Dragicevich property in West Coast Road. Oratia Osteopathic Clinic This newly opened osteopathic clinic in West Coast Road provides natural methods of massage and manipulation. Kenlock Motors Located on the opposite corner from the school on West Coast and Shaw Roads, Kenlock Motors provides the last petrol for drivers going to Piha or other West Coast beaches. Its workshop undertakes mechanical repairs and WOF testing. Firewood Allan Sumich in West Coast Road delivers bulk lots of cut firewood and is available for tree felling and chainsawing. Brian Hoffmann Ltd Brian has owned and operated this earthmoving and cartage contracting business for over 30 years, specialising in house sites, swimming pool excavations, footings and drilling. Oratia Settlers’ Market The first market was held on Sunday 14 May 2006 at the Oratia Settlers’ Hall and car park in West Coast Road. Keeping to the second Sunday in the month, it has quickly become a focal point for people to meet and relax over coffees at outdoor tables and listen to live music. Some 60 stalls purvey fruit and vegetables, handmade chocolates, garden ornaments, plants, and work by local artists, crafts people and artisans. A number of stalls are made available free to community and charity groups.

Nola’s The Nola family’s well-established fruit and vegetable shop on West Coast Road corner stocks a wide variety of home orchard produce as well as local fruit and vegetables, imported specialty lines and general items such as bread and eggs. At the end of Nola’s car park is a small shop selling fresh fish, smoked fish and shellfish. West Coast Veterinary Clinic Dr Zoran Dakic and his team offer a veterinary service catering for the needs of the family pet. He has an extensively equipped surgery and theatre. A range of cat and dog foods and other pet requirements are available. Oratia Settlers’ Market.

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New Year’s Day Picnic A highlight of the Oratia social calendar over 100 years ago was the picnic held on New Year’s Day at the Parr family homestead, Albion Vale. After the 1907 picnic no more were held until 2006, when the Oratia Ratepayers and Residents Association resurrected the tradition. Albion Vale’s current owners, Barbara and David Harré, hosted the event for about 100 people beside the Oratia Folk Museum at the front of the property. David stoked up his steam engine and cooked large pots of mussels, new potatoes and his own specialty steamed puddings. Picnickers brought along their own snacks, and ate and drank to live music. Russell McAlpine added to the atmosphere, arriving in his vintage car. Saskia Prinselaar is wondering how the mussels will taste.

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Orchards and Orchardists Longview Orchard: The Botica Family The Botica family bought their orchard in Carter Road from Fred Sunde in 1943. Frank Botica went to Oratia District School in the same year. At that time the school had only three teachers. Frank and Milica’s three children also went to Oratia for all their primary school years. Frank and Milica bought the property from Frank’s parents in 1966, and have continued orcharding until the present day. When the New Zealand Apple and Pear Board closed down its office depot and cool stores in Henderson in the mid-1990s no more pip fruit was exported from Henderson.This, plus the deregulation of the pip-fruit industry, changed the circumstances of many Oratia orchardists, making fruit-growing economically unviable. Luckily Longview Orchard was able to supply the domestic market, giving the family the ability to continue orcharding until now. Frank and Milica are presently growing plums, apples and pears.

Slow and Steamy In March 2007 the Going West Trust, which supports the annual Going West Books and Writers Festival, held the first of what is hoped to become an annual event. Hosted by Murray and Penny Firth at Firlong Nurseries in Carter Road, in the tradition of the Going West Steam Train, it featured wine and words, food and song.Well-known poets, novelists, chefs, singers and a jazz band entertained.

Deans’ Orchard: Holdens Road This orchard has been continuously in the family since it was established in 1901 by the grandfather of the present owners, Louis and Grant Dean. Their parents had worked it until the late 1960s or 1970s. Originally the 100-acre property grew many varieties of apples, pears, peaches and plums.Warmer weather changes around 1975 made conditions for growing peaches and nectarines difficult and many of these were phased out.

Slow and Steamy as we go.

A homage to apple orchards on Parrs Cross Road.

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Until the Apple and Pear Board opened in 1948, orchards had been family businesses where everyone in the family, including the children, worked and no one got paid. The Apple and Pear Board was exporting mainly to Britain with a guaranteed price. When Britain joined the Common Market in the late 1960s other markets had to be found. Unfortunately the quality and varieties being produced did not meet the needs of the new markets and many of the next generation sold up family orchards and moved out. The Deans have organised their own apple export to Germany, and engaged in technical work for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF). M. Dragicevich and Sons: West Coast Road Mate is the third generation of his family to run the orchard since his grandfather and his three sons, George, Mile and Jack, bought the property from Louvre Marinovich in 1953. As a youngster Mate worked alongside his father, learning at first hand all the aspects of running an orchard. He now grows plums, apples and pears and is developing an area of table grapes. In the past the fruit had been taken into Turners and Growers market but with the building of a cool store and packing shed all the fruit is sold from an on-site shop, run by his mother Karmela from before Christmas until all the fruit is sold around July. Adjacent to the fruit shed is ‘Drags’ Dairy’, which opened in 1961 and was run by Mate’s Uncle Jack. Jack would deliver orders to all parts of Oratia. Near the road by the post box is a memorial seat to Jack, put there by his friends and customers. At present the shop is leased out and since the closure of the Oratia Post Office it is also a Post Shop.

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Cyril Nola Cyril came to New Zealand as a 15-year-old in 1925 and went gum-digging near Dargaville. Later he worked on dairy farms, followed by a time with the Ministry of Works in the King Country. When he came to Oratia he worked on the Montgomery orchard in Seymour Road. He met and married Phyllis Sunde. Cyril bought the family property on the corner of West Coast and Glengarry Roads in 1934. His first priority was to build a house. All the land needed clearing so, as most of the earlier orchardists did, he found work outside the home to bring in money while breaking in the land. For seven years he cycled each day to the brickworks in New Lynn. In the evenings and weekends he worked on the property. He bought his first cow for six pounds, later adding another three or four. A henhouse and 200 hens, which grew to a flock of 2000, followed. Vegetables were grown and the orchard developed. The shop premises have been expanded over time. In March 2007 Cyril celebrated his 97th birthday. An extremely fit man who has never smoked or drunk alcohol and has always looked after his health, he still walks early each day at Parr’s Park. In earlier years Cyril was a familiar sight running long distances up West Coast Road, along the Scenic Drive and home via Henderson Valley Road. Until his mid-eighties his birthday was celebrated with a run to Piha.

Nurseries Oratia Native Plant Nursery As a travel agent for six years I saw enough of New Zealand, and the world, to know that Oratia is a better place than most in which to live one’s life. Deciding conservation of the natural environment to be the most useful and urgent thing I could do, I started growing native plants as a hobby. It soon became apparent that there was a need for a regular supply of native plants for enthusiasts to purchase, leading to the start of Oratia Native Plant Nursery. The commercial nursery evolved and moved to the main West Coast Road site in 1990. It has continued to grow with a recent expansion to an additional site in Henderson Valley.With more than 20 staff, the nursery is providing eco-sourced plants for the whole Auckland region and is now specialising in many of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered plants. The battle against the weeds of Oratia has scarcely begun but the nursery has the stock to help redress the balance in favour of native plants. Geoff Davidson, Oratia District School 1952-60

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Orchid Plants and Flowers In 1980 Helmer and Janice Larsen bought property from Ces Malam at the lower end of Parker Road and moved their orchid-growing business from Titirangi to Oratia. They developed the property and a business exporting orchids to prime markets in Japan and the United States of America, especially New York. A second tier of the business is the sale of potted plants, and a third side is the laboratory development of orchid tissue culture, which is exported worldwide.Their son Lars, who employs up to eight people on average during the year, carries this out. Their second son, Fleming, is also involved in the family business. In the school’s centennial year, 1982, they propagated an orchid named ‘Oratia Pioneer’. Landsendt Dick and Annemarie Endt bought this property from the Davidson family in 1962, and it has evolved from an orchard to what is now a unique subtropical garden, run by their daughter Carolyn and husband Anthony. The garden is a refuge for rare plants that were collected from South America by Dick and Annemarie. From the 1960s to 1980s New Zealand was a market leader in horticulture, and Oratia was the biggest fruit-growing area in the country. Dick was part of a pioneering group of people in search of new crops.The Andes in South America is the fruit bowl of the world, so why not try some of their crops in Oratia, New Zealand’s fruit bowl? Landsendt trialled hundreds of different fruit crops, and during his overseas visits Dick also fell in love with other plants such as palms. Fifteen years on, the orchard is now tamed into an amazing subtropical garden with many plants so rare they have refugee status. Their natural habitat is getting destroyed at an alarming rate so Landsendt is a gene bank. Carolyn Melling-Endt Kellydale Nursery We started our small specialist nursery 30 years ago, growing mainly rock garden, alpine and groundcover plants, supplying several Auckland garden centres. A lot of bulb seed was imported from South Africa, sending us off at a tangent, and in the end our rare and unusual bulbs became our main specialty. For several years we supplied Winstone Garden Centre in Remuera with dry bulbs, but eventually decided to go mail order only. The business has grown steadily and our catalogue for 2008 will be our 28th. Bulbs are grown in pots or planter bags, which makes keeping them separate so much easier. On our website we have photographs of many of the plants we grow and our current catalogue has 143 different items in it. Some customers who started buying from us 28 years ago continue to do so. Tony and Jenny Palmer

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Winegrowers Artisan Wines The Sunde family has lived in Oratia for generations and been long-time residents in Shaw Road. Rex Sunde’s wife Maria also has a long family association with the area, visiting from Avondale to help pick apples in an aunt’s orchard where she met the Sunde children. Rex planted his Shaw Road vineyard in 1995 and named it Fantail Island after the name his children gave to a small island in the Kaurimu Stream where they played. As with many locals, his early association with winemaking was from grandparents and parents who first made wine for the family and later for domestic sale. After gaining a horticulture degree with a specialisation in viticulture from Massey University, Rex settled at Nobilo’s as viticulturist for eight years. During this time he started developing the Artisan label. Rex and Maria recently bought land at Tara Orchards on Parrs Cross Road, and planted syrah, viognier and pinot gris vines. It will retain the name Tara Vineyard. Local folk can now taste and purchase wine at the winery. In 2007 a restaurant is being established and there are plans to host the Waitakere Farmers’ Market on the property. Rewa’s Classic Reds Rewa Harré chose three classic Bordeaux varieties — cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc — to plant his hectare of grapes in 1990. The wine connection runs strongly in Rewa’s family, with Harré vineyards originally in Lincoln Road. Rewa’s grapes flower and set in December and the temperature at flowering time is an important determination of how bountiful the crop will be.With the help of family and friends the grapes are picked late in the season, often about 20 April. The crushing and fermentation is done in a picturesque stone cellar Rewa built to maintain the necessary constant temperature. With yield increasing each year, Rewa hopes to see his hobby develop into a small commercial venture. Sapich Brothers The Sapich family, orchard and vineyard have been a part of Oratia since 1932, when about 84 acres were bought in Forest Hill Road. Originally a dairy herd was established. Gradually 2000 citrus trees, lemons of the Lisbon and Meyer varieties and grapefruit trees replaced the herd. There were vines to make wine for the family. Later apples, pears and plums replaced the citrus, and in turn these were replaced with grapes. Since the 1950s members of the family have enjoyed developing their wines and fortified wines. Many winemakers had their ‘signature’ drinks, and Sapich’s Purple Death is more memorable than most. Steve still makes it to the same secret recipe. A more benign-sounding and tasting wine is their Piha Sunset.

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The change in excise tax a few years ago caused a downturn in sales of sherry and port and precipitated significant changes in the grape varieties planted. In 2007 Sapichs began harvesting their new classical grape varieties, syrah (shiraz), pinot gris, semillon and sauvignon blanc, which were planted in 2004-05. Roy Sunde Roy is an Oratia vine grower with a long background of family orcharding in the area. He still grows apples, pears and plums on his properties in Shaw and West Coast Roads, and has recently diversified into grapes, which are sent to Artisan Wines and bottled under their label. A chardonnay won a bronze medal in the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. A new sight is the use of nylon netting to protect the vines from birds, and this is backed up with bangers and the odd shotgun blast. Another thing Roy has in common with other growers is the help of his family. His wife, Janelle, and sons, Stefan and Anton, are on hand to help with jobs like thinning, leaf plucking and picking. Roy gives credit to his cousin Rex, from whom he has learnt a great deal, and while most of the crop will continue to be processed by Rex under the Artisan label, Roy is keen to begin production under his own Kauri Ridge label.

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Landmark Wines Steve Vitasovich arrived from Croatia in 1928 and joined many others in Northland, working in the gumfields earning money to purchase property. In 1937 he began his vineyard and fruit orchard on the land he bought in South Road, Henderson, now known as Bruce McLaren Road. He then went back to his homeland and married Dobra, and they had three children, Zlatomir, Zora and Mille, who attended Oratia District School in the 1950s and 1960s. With the grapes he began producing wine under the Public Wines label. For many years the estate produced traditional fortified wines, moving to handcrafted wines from the mid-1980s. Today Landmark Estate is owned and operated by Zlatomir and Zora Vitasovich. Since 1996 they have released wines under their own labels: Earls (Reserve label), Landmark Estate (Premium), Albatross Point and Southridge labels for selected table wines, and Glen Hills for the range of selected fortified wines. They continue to harvest ten acres of grapes at their Henderson property and another ten acres in Kumeu, and also source premium grapes from Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.

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Oratia Folk Museum: Oratia History The Oratia Museum sits in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges — Te Wao nui o Tiriwa (The Great Forest of Tiriwa). Te Kawerau a Maki occupied this region for many centuries. One of their settlements was the small Oratia Pa in the Oratia Valley. Rapid and widespread change came with the arrival of people from Europe. The early nineteenth century saw the introduction of musket warfare that took a heavy toll of the Kawerau people. Further, by the 1850s the Crown had purchased much of the Waitakere region. Settlement by Europeans, the logging of timber and clearances for mixed farming caused a dramatic change to both the social and physical landscape. The Oratia Museum — a small settler cottage — reminds us of that time. The cottage was built between 1855-70 at the upper end of Parker Road (number 125). Documents show Terence Donnelly as the first owner. An Irishman, he arrived in New Zealand as part of the 58th British Regiment and saw action in the New Zealand Wars. In 1855 he bought 91 acres in Parker Road and another 81-acre block in Waiatarua. He lived and farmed in Oratia until his death on 16 November 1889. In the late 1880s the Moorehead brothers lived in the cottage. Both died in the 1930s, when the cottage passed to their nieces. Around 1945 a nephew, Robert Blackbourne, and his family moved into the cottage. In the 1950s Mr Sutherland bought the cottage. Finding it too small, he had a larger house moved on site. The cottage was offered as fire brigade practice, but local residents asked that it be saved so Mr Sutherland gave it to the community. Margery Harré offered the use of a piece of road frontage near Albion Vale, a registered historic building on West Coast Road. Mr Winslow moved the cottage for a token 30 pounds and the Izards, a pioneer family, paid all resiting costs. The Oratia community raised funds through evenings of poetry, music and wine, and many gave generously of their time to help with restoration work. Students of Henderson High School helped fix new kauri shingles on the roof. In 2004, 27 years later, a generous grant from the Waitakere Licensing Trust allowed the shingle roof to be renewed, the stove restored and the outside painted.

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The cottage is built of kauri, felled and sawn at a local mill. It is a rectangular structure with a steep pitched roof of wooden shingles referred to as a ‘gabled box cottage’. On either side of the central front door are two front rooms with double-hung, multi-paned windows. One room is the main bedroom and the other is the parlour. The ceilings of these rooms retain their original finish of kauri gum varnish (shellac). At the back of the cottage a room runs full length, the kitchen at one end and the scullery at the other. A narrow, steep staircase leads from the scullery to the two attic bedrooms, having a window either end. The picket fence that is now surrounding the cottage is from the demolished 1873 Avondale Hotel. The School and the Museum Children from Oratia and other local schools make good use of the museum to experience and relive the past. With the help of museum volunteers they cook scones in the coal range, and wonder at the kitchen utensils and the lack of modern conveniences. They climb the stairs and see the iron bedsteads, the hooked rugs, the candlesticks and the toys of the day. Outside there are the wash tubs, the ‘long-drop’, and the garden with heritage herbs and plants to learn about.

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The School since 1982

The School since 1982 The Centennial Celebrations Planning for the centennial celebrations to be held from 22-24 October 1982 was begun in March 1980. A committee was formed with sub committees in charge of finance, publicity, planning and programming. A registration fee of $5 was set and letters sent to anyone who had had connections with the school. Early fundraising was through the sale of centenary promotion T-shirts and hats. Photographs and articles were published in the Western Leader and a large sign erected near the school house. Education Board files and early school records were explored for historical information. The weekend was planned around an open day at the school on Friday, two performances of a pageant written by Peppi Slater and performed by pupils, a parade of floats and evening social events.

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The official ceremony on Saturday afternoon was attended by several local mayors, members of parliament, Education Board officials, many ex pupils, teachers, and school committee members. Following the opening of the new pool, guests were entertained with items from the pupils. The Centenary Ball on Saturday night was a great success with music supplied by ex pupil Peter Gratton and his band, P.G. and the Hot Tips. A short thanksgiving service at the school on Sunday was followed by a bus tour of the district and the weekend concluded with the laying of the time capsule.

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Memories of School and the Centennial

The Original School Building

Debbie Wood (Malam) 1977-82 and Tracey Murray (Malam) 1979-85 Debbie was in Standard 4 (Year 6) in centennial year. She remembers Mrs Rosandich teaching her class the kola, which they danced at the celebration weekend. On the Friday before the weekend the school recreated 1882.The children dressed in clothes from the 1880s and carried their books tied in a parcel with a ribbon around them. Nobody brought school bags. Representing their fourth-generation families, Debbie and Bruce Whittaker rode in a horse and buggy in the float parade from Glen Eden on Saturday. Special stories were written to be included in the time capsule. Tracey was in J3 (Year 3) and remembers the excitement. Tracey felt the involvement her parents and grandparents had with the school made it all the more special. Her family talked about her great-grandmother being part of the 75th Anniversary, her father was responsible for the rock covering the time capsule, and both he and her grandfather were very involved in other ways, which gave her a feeling of inclusion. Both sisters remember the 125th Anniversary being mentioned and they found it difficult to imagine themselves in 2007. Both are now parents, with Tracey’s son Mitchell attending Oratia School and Tracey a member of the 125th planning committee.

Rusty Gash: School Committee member Rusty Gash was a member of the Oratia School Committee for many years. He was on the centennial committee and is on the 125th planning committee.As an architect he was responsible for the work done in resiting and redesigning the original school building. He recalls it well:

The principal pays Mrs Clarke’s group a visit during the centennial celebrations.

The original school building.

During the latter years of the 1950s and early 1960s the School Committee under the chairmanship of Paul Swinburn made the decision to convert the original classroom block into an assembly hall and library. It was moved from its centrally placed site facing West Coast Road to the southern boundary facing north. Internal partitions were removed and laminated beams utilised to support the roof structure, and a covered entry was added. The character of the building was fully retained. George Greenaway was the principal at the time. Sadly the building was destroyed by arson one Sunday afternoon. At the time of the destruction I was taking fruit to the market on our truck. Flames were coming out the windows as the fire spread rapidly through the old kauri timber structure. The heat was so intense it scorched the Dragicevich house over the adjacent fence. The fire brigade could do nothing to save a delightful old building with a lot of early pioneer history within its walls.

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The Last School Committee Chairman’s Report

20 April 1989

The last meeting of this Oratia School Committee, so perhaps time for reflection and recollection. One of the best things about this committee, I feel, is that you have all been prepared to debate or discuss all matters raised. This has enabled us to reach what I believe has been a balanced opinion and therefore, good, for the school. Although relatively uneventful our term in office has been interspersed with some interesting highlights, e.g., inspecting and cleaning toilets during the Caretakers/Cleaners strike to keep the school open and succeeding!!!. Caretaker problems, Teacher strikes and the terrible decision to actually close the school for a day. On a more positive note, we had some good interaction with teachers and parents, Dinners, Wine and Cheese evenings etc and also a very successful Halloween Dance with the Oratia Residents and Ratepayers Assoc. Latterly the Stark Brown Picnic, a great community get together which must be continued. All good for the community spirit. The opportunity to host the Headmaster and Support Group of Henderson High School at a very well attended meeting was an excellent example of a School Committee operating in the interests of the community, giving parents the opportunity to make an informed decision on their children’s futures. On the equipment and management side of things, we have been instrumental in the purchase of extra computers and the introduction of a subsidy for the Teaching staff involved in relevant study courses. Working bees have taken care of the painting of the pool (finally), the reintroduction of the Adventure playground structure on the lower field, the enhancement of my favourite cherry tree outside the dental block, the wonderful paintings on the junior playground (thanks to Graeme Gash), and recently the concrete pads for the paper bins. The potentially disastrous arson prior to Christmas, highlighted incredible support from the Committee, Staff and community and I believe turned into a real positive for our borderline ‘rural’ school. I would like to thank the Principal and his Deputy (and predecessor) for their positive attitude in all dealings. It is really appreciated. I would also like to thank the whole Committee whose contribution has made this job so rewarding. I endorse Judy Parker’s suggestion that we should keep in touch socially. Mention should be made of the contribution of Warren Wheeler our Treasurer, who departed mid term and the able manner in which Alex Smillie took up the reins. This job does take up a lot of time and full marks to Alex for reorganising the system. Dave, Len, Chris, Murielle, Lynn, Judy, Mike, Alex, Joe and Colin thank you. We leave behind 140 years of tradition, but upon seeing the candidates for the new Board of Trustees, I am very confident that the Administration of the Oratia District School will once again be in very capable hands. Kind regards to you all,

Tomorrows’ Schools and the Board of Trustees The year 1989 heralded major changes to New Zealand’s education system — in the form of Tomorrows’ Schools, a major initiative to devolve power and encourage the self-management of schools. Boards of Trustees replaced school committees, and in the process became governors, setting individual school policy, employing staff and taking responsibility for funding expenditure. The opportunity to be a bulk-funded school allowed Boards of Trustees (BOTs) to control staffing issues as well. This devolution of educational power allowed for considerable autonomy and individuality, meaning the old notion of ‘all schools are similar’ was broken. Since the late 1990s, the process of recentralisation has occurred, although not to the extent of pre-1989. The first Oratia School Board of Trustees (OSBOT) was elected at the end of April 1989 and held its first meeting on 25 May 1989. Schools were expected to prepare a Charter of Objectives that would be unique to each school and reflect specific local educational needs. Cultural and social values in the district, employment needs and opportunities, and a host of factors that gave any community its unique identity were to be taken into consideration. Consultation with parents and community was essential and to facilitate this process a Community Consultation Committee was formed. The Education Review Office (ERO) was set up to take the place of the Inspectors of Schools. A team visits every third year to look at aspects of the curriculum and management. Any recommendations made must be actioned by the school. A copy of the report is always available at the school and on the Ministry website. Succeeding boards have governed Oratia District School with dedication, supported by a strong staff. A list of board members is included in the appendix. The board has had to consider issues like revision of the school charter and policy, setting the strategic direction of the school, ensuring the school complies with National Administration Guidelines, and managing enrolment and zoning questions. The preservation of Lone Kauri School in Karekare has required close consultation with the community.

Ian McCallum 34

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The Oratia School Board Bridget Brent, First Chair (1989) When the Oratia School Board of Trustees held its first meeting on 25 May 1989 we found ourselves heading down an uncharted path. Over the next year we experienced the difficulties of trying to meet our new responsibilities despite a lack of information, tonnes of paper and literature, and mostly negative media coverage. The principal had the hardest job, as his whole role had been more or less turned inside out. The key to making Tomorrow’s Schools work was, and remains, that boards and principals have a clear idea of the difference between management (principal and staff roles) and governance (the role of the board). Together the principal and the Board, as manager and governor respectively, could work to provide the best possible learning environment for the children. I would like to think that together we set up an enduring culture for future boards. In that first year there was so much required of us that seemed to have little to do with our children in the classrooms, such as the insurance budget, asset register, job descriptions and performance agreements. Understanding our role as an employer, and making staff appointments were important responsibilities. Writing the charter that set Oratia apart from every other school and defined our individuality was a huge job in that first year. I have wonderful memories of those years and of my association with the school as a member of the Board, as a teacher, and most importantly as a parent. Kubi Witten-Hannah, Board Member (1989-98), Chair (1990-99) I first went to Oratia School in 1975 as a student teacher. Junior School was my special interest so I was delighted to have Gloria Whiting as my associate teacher. I learnt a lot from Gloria and 30 years on still remember her as an inspiration to my teaching. I did not get on quite so well with the Headmaster, Mr Still, who admonished me for wearing sandals without long socks. Always up for a challenge I found some rather sparkly socks which, together with a pair of brown walk-shorts and a purple polo shirt met his dress code — sort of. I returned to Oratia as a teacher in 1979, taking a Standard Three (Year 5) class. Halfway through the year I moved into secondary teaching for more secure employment. In 1989 I renewed my association with Oratia when I was elected onto the Board of Trustees. In the first year much of my attention was focused on the establishment of the School Trustees Association. Bridget stepped down from the chair’s role a year later and I was chosen to succeed her — a bit of a surprise because my children were at Lone Kauri, not the main school. It was a great board to lead and I learnt a lot from them, especially from Steve and Jocelyn who taught me not to be afraid of budgets and accounts.

From the beginning I believed that the most important role of the board was to pick good staff then support them in carrying out their roles. The hardest thing about appointing staff wasn’t finding good staff; it was not appointing other staff who we knew were also good. The most challenging appointment was of a principal who would be keen to build on what was already a great school. Like all other people involved with the project, I feel special pride in the hall, which is not only functional but really embodies the spirit and atmosphere of the school. Student, teacher, bus driver, parent, board member and chair; I have enjoyed every role and now I enjoy being an old relic brought along on special occasions like the annual prizegiving where I get to present the rather special trophy for the best librarian which was crafted by my dear friend, the late John Green. John Sumich, Board Member (1992-2001), Chair (1999-2001) ‘Never volunteer,’ says John, who made a suggestion to the then Board of how to develop the Shaw Road corner where the headmaster’s house had been, and ended up on the BOT for 11 years, the last three as chair. He found that the initial BOT members set up fantastic protocols that subsequent members benefited from. Appointing the new principal and tackling the issue of zoning were important highlights of his time on the Board. He was on the disciplinary subcommittee but never had any issues to deal with, which he saw as a testament to the ethos and the running of the school. John’s father, Miro Sumich, was a member of the School Committee for 17 years and has been a member of both the Centennial and the 125th celebration committees.

The comemorative book that is on display at the school hall.

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Junior School 2007

School Photographs 2007

Liza Brown, Board Member (1998-2007), Chair (2001-2007) I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Oratia School Board of Trustees. Previous boards had established effective procedures and protocols, and all the board members brought a wide variety of skills, experiences, expertise and enthusiasm. This made the job of chairperson a pleasure. A sound working relationship, built on trust and respect between myself and the principal, Cal Greer, enabled clear communication, an understanding of the roles between governance and management, and where necessary, joint problem-solving. Having previously been an employee at the school, and a teacher aide with children with special needs from 1995-98, I had an insider’s view of the school and had established relationships with many of the staff. During my tenure on the Board, the school received three extremely positive Educational Review Office (ERO) reports, which indicated that the school was continuing to develop its already high standard. I enjoyed, along with many parents, the many junior Christmas carols, productions, talent nights, country fairs, flower show days and senior prizegivings. I would like to thank the following people with whom I shared a role on the Board at some point over the last nine years: John Sumich, Helen Penman, Jan Brown, Ingrid O’Hanlon, Ian Lewington, Shirley Campbell, Ross Davenport, Greg Fletcher, Nick de Zoete and Peter Dowling, and staff representatives Lyn Harron and Sarah Harris. Peter Dowling, Board Member (2004-present), Chair (2007-present) In my short time on the board, I have been impressed by the work of the members, the professionalism of the staff, and the input of the parent community and the school’s many supporters. The 2005 ERO Report was a firm validation of the high standards that Cal Greer and his team bring to Oratia District School. I thank previous boards, school committees and PTAs for their work and the support they have given to Oratia staff. This is a reflection of their desire to provide the very best learning environment for our children. The new Board elected in April this year looks forward to meeting with present and past pupils, staff, parents and the wider community at the 125th Jubilee (and at any time). From your board, our warm wishes in celebrating 125 years of the little school in the valley.

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Senior School 2007

Middle School 2007

School Business

School Business The Roll and Zone The school roll gradually grew during the 1980s with various experiments with roll closures. Oratia has had a Ministry sanctioned and defined zone since 1992 to control growth.Within that time the school has only opened its roll to out-of-zone enrolments on three occasions for very short periods. The school’s roll has therefore remained stable over this period with a finishing roll each year of between 540 and 570. A clause (called the Historic Clause) allows children who have two prior generations of family attendance to come to the school, even if they live out of zone.This has allowed some of our historic families to continue their involvement with the school. The question of retaining our Year 6 children for their Year 7 and 8 (Form 1 and 2) has been raised a number of times, but a lack of space for additional buildings has always made this an unworkable option. One change was the establishment of vertical grouping in the junior area in 1991. For many years the school has enrolled between 80 and 90 new entrants every year, and this system removed the need for our youngest children to have multiple moves over their first years of schooling. New Entrant school visits one month before turning five were also introduced at this time. The year 1993 saw the introduction of new families talks, where parents of children new to Oratia are able to hear about the school and to ask questions. These continue today, with one meeting a term.

Buses Buses are synonymous with our school. Ritchies has been the main provider over the last 25 years with up to four runs operating at any one time. Up to 1992 pre-schoolers from Piha used the school bus with their older brothers and sisters to get to kindergarten. However, a ruling was made that this could continue only if there was room for one adult and four pre-schoolers. The bus through the Sunvue area ceased about 1994 because this area became ‘out of zone’ in 1992 and consequently numbers dropped. A TV-mast bus began in the mid-1990s, which allowed the Piha bus to go directly to the beach. Around that time, the school took on direct resourcing of funds for transport. This gave us more control over bus routes and allowed the buses to carry children who might otherwise not be eligible. Local roads, with no footpaths, motivated the board to provide a system that ensured safe transport for these pupils. Reflecting on buses over this period evokes memories of noise, bus monitors, feeling sick, children getting on to buses when they shouldn’t, not getting on when they should, missing their stop, falling asleep, the odd accident and breakdown, late buses, and the old buses belching diesel as they crawled up the hills. Happily, some improvement in the quality of buses has occurred over the last few years.

Enjoying buddy reading in the sunshine.

Out of School Care Out of School Care started in 1993 in response to a number of requests from parents for this type of facility. An establishment group organised its introduction and operates outside the school administration. Positive support is given by the school and where possible building amenities are provided. Up to 50 children a day are catered for and as from the early 2000s a morning care programme has been in operation.

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‘We will behave in the “Oratia way” on our trip home.’

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The Library

Shows

The present library had its beginnings in 1991 in a small prefab on the site of the present hall. The first of many book festivals was held and for the first time junior children were allowed to borrow books. Lunchtime openings began in 1993. The School Library Service and the Waitakere Libraries worked with the school and weekly visits from the mobile library began.Year 3 pupils produced a special mural that was displayed at Government House for a visiting illustrator, Lyn Kriegler. She admired it so much she asked to keep it. A major shift from the prefab to the present site was made in 1996. Twice floods damaged books, but these were replaced. By 1997 the library was fully automated and a first stocktake was done. The atmosphere was enhanced with window seats, curtains, cushions, couches, a large wooden outdoor area and a distinctive doorway. Bright displays from classes added colour and interest.The library had become a part of the classroom programme with school-based and nationwide book fairs and weeks. Book character parades involved pupils and staff dressing up, and visits by authors Joy Cowley and Margaret Mahy were well received. Grants from the PTA and the South Auckland Trust have helped greatly in keeping the supply of books updated and the library a bright, convenient and comfortable place. The student librarian scheme has developed and librarians work towards bronze, silver and gold certificates. Cath Dye, teacher and librarian, worked hard for many years until her retirement to bring the library up to a high standard. This work has been continued by Lisa Lilley. Over the last 23 years the library and school have had tremendous support from Dorothy Evans. As the library assistant Dorothy does the accessioning of new books and a multitude of tasks that ensure the library’s smooth operation.

Pet Shows Pet shows have always been a favourite. Pets could be shown to friends and prizes awarded for the many different attributes of well-loved cats, dogs, birds, goats, sheep and horses. One year the flight of some of the pets led to consternation.These escapes are now remembered as humorous events, especially as these family members eventually managed to get back home. A ‘pet rock’ show replaced animals one year. Maybe it’s time for a pet show again!

Enjoying our library.

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Flower Shows Flower shows continue to be a tradition. Local community people and past teachers are happy to give their time to judge the various categories.This is always a busy day with pupils preparing their exhibits, morning tea for the judges before they begin their tasks, pupil and teacher viewing of exhibits after lunch, and viewing for parents until 7:30 p.m. The year 2000 brought about a change with our new hall being able to hold all exhibits. Senior pupils may now choose to exhibit one category as well as participating in their class art exhibit. Best of all, no more worries about wet days! Sand saucers, buttonholes, floral clocks and vegetable creations together with themes such as the millennium year, environmental circles and the America’s Cup continue to give great pleasure to pupils and their families. Participation of the kindergarten children also adds to the flower show’s traditional popularity.

Much thought going into exhibits.

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Children’s calendar art for sale.

Over the past few years children’s calendar art has been displayed at the flower show and, together with the sale of plants, Devonshire teas and a sausage sizzle, has helped to raise funds for the school.

Productions, Talent Concerts and the Choir Over the last 25 years music has flourished at Oratia School, with recorder groups, children learning different instruments, a school orchestra and a choir trained each year for a performance at the local music festival. The junior school works hard to present a Christmas Concert every year. Originally it was held outside Rooms 6 and 7 (remember the donkeys!), then in the natural amphitheatre outside Rooms 10 and 11 where the weather once completely beat us. Now we have the option of using our new hall. Another popular event is the biennial school production that involvesYear 4-6 pupils. Originally productions were presented to parents and families who were crammed into the Settlers’ Hall. After the new hall was built, productions were able to be more elaborate and easily managed, with room for more pupils to participate. There must be many fond memories for past pupils, parents, teachers and friends of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1981), James and the Giant Peach (1983), Rats (1989), Wizard of Oz (1990), Peter Pan (1992), Snow White (1993), Pied Piper (1995), Hansel and Gretel (1998),

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Ali Baba (1999), Cats of Ponsonby (2001), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat (2003), and Young Hercules (2005). These productions and the alternate talent concerts have encouraged pupils to use and develop skills of singing, acting, dance, stage management, presentation and music, under the guidance of a number of talented and dedicated teachers and parents — who also ensured that the backdrops, lighting, costumes, practice, music and choreography all met high standards. The talent concerts allow pupils to share skills that they have learned outside school.Whether a fiveyear old playing the violin, girls showing off their dancing skills or boys doing martial arts, there has been an array of fine talents. Pupils may also remember their teachers taking part in items such as ‘Aunty Alice Gave Us This’, ‘Sadie the Cleaning Lady’, ‘YMCA’ and ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ (We Don’t Need No Education). Our school choirs have performed at school, competitions and at festivals. They have visited places such as the Oratia Church, and schools in New Lynn, Glen Eden and Henderson Valley. Choirs have also taken part in annual School Music festivals and sung at the Suzanne Prentice World Vision Concert.

The Arts Along with drama, music and dance appreciation and skills, the school has fostered the arts by trips outside of the school and visits from talented people. An African drummer, Eddie Quanseh, was very impressive and encouraged drumming for many pupils. A Bruce McLaren Intermediate harmony group performed for us, and a more recent musical experience was the big band from Havelock North High School. What an incredible performance — an inspiration for the pupils! In 1983 the cast of James and the Giant Peach were lucky to visit the Mercury Theatre, and pupils attended the Auckland Dance Festival in 2003. We also had visits from the Creative Puppet Theatre, the Peter and The Wolf Puppet Theatre, and The Class Act Opera Company performed The Magic Flute. Following a visit by the New Wave Folk Dancers the junior school presented their version of folk dancing to the senior school and parents. A smaller group performed for the 150-year

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celebrations of Henderson in 1994. A group of children visited the New Zealand Ballet in 1990. Two years later creative dance was introduced to all children in a week-long programme that was held in classes. Storytellers have brought enjoyment and a love of books to students. Among these have been The Aunties, Bringwonder, Aim Book Week characters such as Clifford and Pooh Bear, Joy Cowley, Margaret Mahy and Stu Duval.

School trips are a very important part of the curriculum. Pupils enjoy the experience of learning outside the school environment. A number of stories continue to be told about incidents on trips — we even lost a teacher for a time! Staff have relied on museums to introduce and reinforce a topic of study. Our own Oratia Settlers’ Museum, Auckland Museum, Maritime Museum, Colonial Museum and Museum of Transport and Technology have all been visited and enjoyed over the years. The Auckland Zoo, Arataki Visitor Centre, Waitakere Ranges, Kelly Tarltons and the Stardome Observatory have also provided a base for learning and discovery. Local beaches are other learning environments with Cornwallis, Kaitarakihi, Kakamatua, Mill Bay, Piha and Kitekite Falls being popular destinations for all levels of the school. We are lucky to have so many valuable resources close to our doorstep. A regular trip to Piha by the whole school is related to the Northern Lifeguard Association’s Beach Education programme, which teaches pupils basic skills to keep them safe on the West Coast beaches. The children love this experience and the challenge that comes with it. Social studies and science have led to a further range of Education Outside the School visits that include Hoani Waititi Marae, Henderson High and Avondale Marae, Glen Eden Fire Station, Kumeu Show and farms, Whenuapai and Hobsonville airbases, Sea Mart, Recycling Centre, Panmure Basin, and the Tip Top Factory and dairy farm.

Pupils have also been exposed to knowledge and skills that visitors have brought to our school. How the senior pupils enjoyed the demonstration put on by the Blockhouse Bay Medieval Enthusiasts Club! The Pounamu Concert Party (1991) and the Museum Cultural group visited us at the end of our Maori Language topic in 1993. This was followed in 1994 with an umu and a performance by the Bruce McLaren Cultural Group as the culmination of the junior Pacific Island study. Later on that year Maori Language Week was completed with a hangi and a concert. Grandparents’ Day has been a popular event for many years. There is always so much pride and excitement when pupils show their grandparents what they have learned and even more so when grandparents talk about their lives ‘long, long ago’. The Life Education caravan visits the school every two years. Pupils move through programmes that provide opportunities for developing skills that will support them personally and socially. Two nationwide health days called ‘Make a Sandwich Day’ and ‘Apple Crunch Day’ were enjoyed by Oratia children. Science, technology, art, social studies and maths experiences have been extended to days or weeks Enjoying the umu. when parents have been able to view and take part in activities that pupils have developed as a result of their learning. These subjects have also involved the learning opportunities for children with visits from police, film directors, maths experts, artists, scientists and many others. We have also had fun days in the form of pyjama days, wild hair days and green days, with money raised going to a range of charities.

Junior trip to Panmure Basin 1995.

Fierce Oratia warriors.

School Trips

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Junior trip to Cornwallis 1995.

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The Eagle is landing!

We have experienced the excitement of helicopters landing in our school grounds before, but can pupils who attended Oratia in 2004 remember a visit by the Eagle helicopter? What a lot of interest when it landed on the field, stirring up a dust storm that closed the pool and redistributed the bark from the senior playground! There has always been an awareness of the importance of conservation, in particular within our own community.

In 1990 the Standard 2 syndicate were encouraged in their study on water conservation by Robert D. Frogg, who presented certificates to children for posters that were titled ‘Drips Waste Water’. A performance by The Toxic Avengers reinforced the need for water conservation, and the production Trash It, Don’t Stash It introduced the pupils to the importance of recycling. As caring for the environment becomes How can we save the Oratia Stream? more of a focus, we have become an Enviro School. This began in 2006 with some pupils following the Oratia Stream and seeing how it has become polluted, and reflecting on how to address this so that our stream can once again become a place for leisure and enjoyment. The Enviro group is also planning a vegetable garden.

School Camps and Sleepovers Many will remember the annual Year 6 camp at Parklands, Snells Beach, with the huge flying fox, the expansive grounds and the shallow water at the beach. Camps were held there from at least the mid-1980s until the camp closure in 2002. In 2003,Year 6 began a new tradition with an annual camp at the Marine Education Centre at Long Bay. Specialists help the children with a variety of water activities. Year 5 children started going to Houghton’s Bush Camp at Muriwai from 1996. This tradition of an Outdoor Education Camp that focuses on hiking, compass work and using the environment has continued for ten years. Many will remember the Burma Trail and the hike up the beach. Over the years our Year 3 and 4 children have had sleepovers at the school grounds, pitching tents and using the hall, and made visits to Kelly Tarltons, Knock Na Gree and, most recently, Carey Park. Camps bring to mind excited children not going to sleep, camp concerts with a wide variety of talent and ability, parent items where adults ‘look silly’ to give the children pleasure, bumps and bruises, gentle moans of children when required to do some exercise, noisy parents when children are at last asleep, no requests for television or X-Boxes and in one year a great deal of sickness at the Year 5 camp.

Off to a flying start at the school camp.

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Physical Education, Health and Sports Physical education, health and sports encourage the development of physical skills and confidence for many pupils, and Oratia pupils have maintained a high level of participation and achievement. Financial support for sports uniforms has come from the lunch room, the school support group and, in 2007, sponsorship of sports shirts by Hiab Transport. The whole school regularly attends the Waitakere Gymnastics Club. This day provides ample opportunity for trying new equipment in a well-organised situation. Sports have always been an integral part of school. Kiwi Sports days allow pupils of all abilities to take part in sporting activities. We have excelled in two particular sports over the past 25 years: there is considerable mention of success in swimming and cross-country at interschool sports. Our swimmers have competed successfully in interschool tournaments for many years. 1992 was a good year for our swimmers who gained places in most events. The following year we won 13 of the 18 relays. This year (2007) our swimming team won the Swimming Championship for the fourth time over the past Interschool swimming team 1993. five years. Running Running is a sport that has always appealed to a large number of the Oratia pupils. Interschool cross-country runs were held at Parr’s Park for many years, but more recently they have been held at our school. The year 1991 saw Tane Samson, Jessica Sutherland and Toby Wilmoth getting first place in their age groups and the nine-year-old boys team were champions with ten-year-old girls getting third in their race in the Henderson District Cross-Country Championships. Highlights have included taking six team divisions and three individual winners in 1995, four individual winners in 1997, four team divisions and three individual winners in 2000, and five team divisions and three individual winners in 2004 and 2005. This pattern of successes continues to 2007. ASB Fun Run 1993.

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The ASB children’s fun run at the Ellerslie Race Course was a popular annual event, with up to 75 runners from Oratia. We also took part in the Easter Show Relay. Every year since 1992 Oratia children have competed in the Glen Eden Harriers children’s fun run. It is a 2-km run and 75 Oratia children participated this year.

Junior cross country 1998.

Interschool cross country 2006.

Netball At the Henderson Combined Schools Winter Sports Field Day in 1990 our netballers were runners-up in both grades. Our A Netball team was beaten in the finals in 1991. Netball was resurrected and the school rejoined the Saturday competition in the late 1990s, resulting in a significant jump in skills development for the children involved. With good parental support we now compete with some success in the West Auckland competition. Saturday netball came into its own for our pupils in 2004 when we had ten teams from Year 1 to Year 6 competing. Cricket Senior children take part in Saturday competitions for cricket. Records show the pleasure the school’s cricket team provided when they romped home with a resounding win. For many years during the 1990s we had a Year 1-3 junior cricket team, which laid the skills foundation for more senior teams. Cricketers 1996.

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Special Events

Rugby Rugby came to the fore in the early 1990s. In 1993 our rugby boys represented West Auckland in an Auckland-wide champion tournament. They were undefeated over the season and came fourth in the tournament. The boys had considerable success for several years. Our first girls’ rugby team was formed in 2004.

Anzac services have always been of importance, with the involvement of RSA members if possible. Children read poems or scripts that they have written as a result of their studies, listen to the ‘Last Post’, watch the flag being lowered and raised again, and observe a minute’s silence to acknowledge family and members of the Oratia community.

Other sports Interschool sports involve all senior pupils in some type of winter sporting activity. These range from league and soccer to softball and hockey. In the 2000s, flipperball has gained major focus, involving coaching and participation after school and during the weekend. T-ball Our best-performing rugby team 1993. is another more recent sport that Oratia children enjoy during the weekends. With a strong local Oratia Soccer Club operating out of Parrs Park, the school has always performed well in this sport. Some gymnastics teams have competed with success. Sport is always dependent on the enthusiasm and skills of teachers and parents.

Rusty Gash enjoyed being involved in Anzac Day 2007.

End-of-year events are times for celebrations for Year 6 students who are moving on, a time for sharing future plans and school successes with parents and friends at the senior prizegiving. This is also a time for sadness as pupils move on to different schools and say goodbye to teachers whom they have known for up to six years. In 1993 we began our tradition of giving each Standard 4 pupil a hebe plant called Oratia as a living memory of happy times. Speech contests are an integral part of the Year 3 to Year 6 programme. The winning senior speechmaker presents his or her speech to parents at this time. The senior prizegiving day is also a time for the school to thank the many helpers who contribute so much to the school over the year.The junior school presents its Christmas concert around the same time.

Interschool softball 1992.

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Kiwi Gym 1998.

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Extension Groups Extension groups provide a specific programme for some of the pupils who display advanced talents. These groups have been structured for children from Year 1 to Year 6 and have included pupils from neighbouring schools. Art, science, maths, computer skills, writing and problem solving are some aspects that have been provided through the years. Trips such as the Science Road Show, and a recent visit to Tiritiri Matangi to take part in conservation activities have been important aspects of these groups. Students have attended courses to help them further develop their talents, as did Julia Vale and William Bailey with a computer course and Gabrielle Williams and Emily Scragg with creative writing during 1992. Students who experience some difficulties with learning may have dual enrolment with Correspondence School and Oratia, while others have extra support in the form of individualised reading, Rainbow Reading, or small group help with language development. Tim Tipene has also contributed to student self-development with his Warrior Kids programme. We have been lucky to have had many caring and supportive teacher aides who have done their utmost for both children and teachers. Hobbies or interests afternoons have also met the needs of all pupils within the wider frame of whole syndicates. Groups of Oratia pupils have been involved in competitions organised by the New Zealand Herald and Newspapers in Education. We have regularly attended library quizzes and been involved in the Krypton Factor competitions, with Children with Special Abilities Group 1994. sterling support from parents.

They have been involved in an analysis of a PTA questionnaire and are planning a book character day to raise funds for some library books that pupils will choose. Cool Schools is a student mediation programme. After considerable training the mediators move around the school at lunchtime to help children solve minor issues.

Tikanga Over the past 15 years Oratia children have been involved in learning the legends of the Te Wao nui o Tiriwa (The Great Forest of Tiriwa) and Oratia (the place where the sun shines brightly), and have developed an appreciation of our environment through the eyes of M-aori. Exposure to M-aori language and culture has been constant throughout the years thanks to the expertise of teachers and itinerant teachers who have a sound knowledge of M-aori culture and Te Reo. Topic studies have involved tikanga, basic language, making and eating hangi food, visiting and staying on marae, and performing at kapa haka competitions. Since 2004 the children have had the privilege of having Whaea Jonni-Rose come into their classes to teach basic phrases and greetings, weaving, waiata and action songs. Over these years she has also established a very successful kapa haka group that has performed exceptionally well. In 2006 Scarlett Bossley-Hoyte and Chrysler Carter came second in the long poi at a wh-anau competition at Parrs Park.

Student Leadership Student councils have operated at different times over the past 25 years. This group has organised staff versus pupil netball matches, pyjama days and problem solving of current issues. The student council has made a comeback in 2007 after a hiatus of several years.

Art Ability Group tile made for the Year 2–3 playground area.

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The school kapa haka group 2006.

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Grounds and Buildings Schools definitely change over time and ours is no exception. Many will remember the swimming pool as the big centenary project. During the mid to late 1980s, considerable discussion centred around shifting the library, which ended up remaining exactly where it was (beside the Shaw Road gate) until well into the 1990s. During this time plans for the lunchroom were also a point of discussion.The school committee was in full agreement that the pool tuck-shop would be the lunchroom and the old lunchroom would be remodelled as a workroom for the library.The dental clinic was renovated and working bees kept parents busy in the junior playground area. The fitness trail that was initiated and developed by Mike Marra was an exciting innovation for Oratia. Some of the Perspex-covered signs on how to complete the different tasks are still to be seen.The upgrading of the junior playgrounds, including the demolition of the fireman’s pole and the pipe area, were brought about because of the need to meet new safety requirements. During 1984 and 1985 the process of developing a junior play area involved preparing a draft design, getting donations and funding, taking advice from physical education advisors, clearing permission from the Ministry of Education and organising working bees. This project, led by Joan Marra, has led to enjoyment by hundreds of pupils. Many can remember the pleasure of jumping from one segment to another of the creatures and shapes that were painted on the junior play area by Graeme Gash in 1989.

The alterations at the end of the junior block included a shower.What a difference this made when little ones had ‘an accident’. Instead of having to stand outside while being washed down, if we couldn’t contact parents, they now had a private place with lovely warm water to get cleaned up and dressed in. In 1996 the school became a Smokefree area, then a year later ‘No dogs’ signs were placed on fences. If we went back to 1983 we would have seen a similar sign erected that said ‘No dogs and horses’. It was also in 1983 that the plaque was placed on the time capsule rock. Only 75 years to go before we can open it! By the mid-1980s the school’s needs far outstripped the space used as the hall/library. As described by the school committee to the Education Board, this space was found to be too small as a hall and had real handicaps as a library. It was used every night by community, cubs, scouts and fitness groups. Many of the books were on mobile trolleys that tended to tip up, dislodging books.This led to the books being wrongly replaced and on different shelves.The piano was also being used in the ‘hall’ while another class was using the library. What tolerance in those years!

The first swimmers in the new pool, 1982.

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Lunchtimes changed to 12:30-1:30 pm in 1992 and today’s classroom numbers will probably mean little to ex-pupils as we re-numbered the school in 1995. The year 1997 was the beginning of considerable change with the incinerator being demolished, leading to the complete recycling of all rubbish. In December of that year we commemorated the 100th birthday of Rewi Alley with a plaque placed at the base of the tree planted ten years previously. By the end of the nineties the netball courts had been resealed. They were by now a far cry from the courts that had inadequate lighting — in fact in 1982 car headlights were used to illuminate the field end of the courts. Landscaping outside our new administration block was completed, a senior playground built, a thriving worm farm was in action with the ‘worm wee’ being a popular seller, rocks were placed on the bus island and a new school sign was placed in the centre of it. Not only did the year 2000 bring in the new millennium it also began an era of further changes to the school environment. New playgrounds were completed and the netball court area was reconstructed and levelled. The staff and their families enjoyed working bees to build an outdoor area, which provided fresh air and a space away from the staffroom to eat lunches. Visitors will notice more in the way of verandas in the junior block and shade areas, the result of a heightened awareness of the dangers of the sun. Trees also provide more shade for eating and playing areas.

We all remember the spraying for the Painted Apple Moth in 2002–2003.Although there was much controversy about the spraying, there was also the inconvenience of keeping children indoors while it occurred and for a time afterwards. What excitement in the classrooms when the low-flying planes went over the school. The Parr family had a tree-planting ceremony in March 2004, with some 25 family descendants present. Similar memorials could be repeated by a number of the little school in the valley’s families. Arbor Day continues to be commemorated. This year (2007) we planted twelve kowhai, the beginning of a grove of kowhai that will hopefully give the nature trail a golden glow when they are all flowering in future years. Trees are regarded as one of the school’s assets. We have been the recipients of donations of trees, plants, gardening support and top soil over the years. Parents, children, the council, community members and other schools have all contributed to our lovely environment.

Playgrounds are fun!

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We look forward to seeing tuis in years to come.

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The Nature Trail

In the Wider World

Past pupils will notice that the old school house has gone. School committee minutes would indicate several requests to the Ministry of Education to move the house. This finally happened in 1992, as part of a rationalisation of school houses across the country. After the clearing of the schoolhouse site, we asked the children what they wanted in this area. They suggested that the lower grassed area become a coaching area and secondary sports area surrounded by a native tree trail. Two years later we had a miniature native tree reserve. This area is a favourite spot for the children, who love to make tracks through the trees and hide from each other, and generally enjoy being able to sit and talk under the trees. Recent surveys completed by our children show respect for this area and their wish for more trees to be planted here and in other groves around the school.

Oratia School has hosted a number of educationalists as a result of recommendations from various people. They have included a Vietnamese educator, American teachers (who came over a number of years), groups of educationalists brought by the University of Auckland, and this year 20 teachers from Singapore. We have also been part of research projects initiated by the Ministry of Education, such as NEMP testing (National Education Monitoring Programme) which checks Year 4 students. Individuals who are involved in education have also conducted research in our school. Another example of Oratia School’s recognition has been the use of photographs of pupils and teachers in the Beginning School Mathematics teacher books, the science curriculum manual, children’s readers, filming of the nature trail for the Earthwatch TV programme, and more recently the Watercare magazine.

Staff Support Oratia teachers have seen many changes in the curriculum, expectations and school organisation in the 25 years since the centennial in 1982. During the early eighties the school had to apply for money for teaching resources. Now we are autonomous with each curriculum team having its own budget. The year 1985 saw the school getting an extra teacher under what was known as the 1-20 scheme. A year later Beginning School Mathematics (BSM) was introduced for junior class teachers with a teacher-only day. Now, 20 years later we are using a new mathematics programme called the Numeracy Project that has involved junior and senior class teachers in a year-long introduction and another year of support. From 1986 the School Committee granted teachers leave to sit advanced studies, and we are fortunate in having a Board of Trustees that continues to support teachers financially with their studies and professional development, both within and outside school hours. Over the past 25 years teachers have been involved in a wide range of educational professional development. Teacher-only days, evening courses, holiday courses covering one or two days, weekend courses and conferences have been attended by teachers who want to further their knowledge of subjects. Sixteen staff completed an Infolink course in 1998. The board budgeted for three teachers to attend the International Reading Conference, and this generosity has continued. Some teachers have also taken on years of study to gain higher qualifications. More recently the school has been involved in educational contracts that cover years rather than days. These have been led by facilitators who have shared their expertise over longer periods from one to three years, covering all curriculum areas. The 2007 Budget has promised schools a new ratio of numbers for New Entrant classes — 1:18. We shall see!

Miro Sumich helps the children in the nature trail.

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Parent Support

The Parent-Teacher Association

Involvement of parents in their children’s education is one of the strengths of Oratia. In 1985 parents were sent a questionnaire that asked their views on their involvement and what information they would like to be given.To this day parents are asked their opinions in the form of a questionnaire every third year. Parent-teacher evenings are usually well attended, as are most of the parent education evenings that have covered subjects such as reading and written language, family maths, mathematics through the school, computers, supporting your child at school, self esteem, and science and technology days. The school has also been very fortunate in the support given by parents within the PTA group, the lunchroom, library help and classroom help. Sports activities have always attracted a very proud and involved supporters group of parents, grandparents and friends. Topics or units of study are often the A proud group of supporters. impetus for parent involvement in the school. The value of their knowledge is never underestimated. Aspects of different cultures such as food, dress and customs are always much more interesting when a person other than the teacher is telling and showing! Grandparents’ Days are also very popular. Other aspects of study, such as Keeping Ourselves Safe, encourage parents to attend an introduction evening so that they have an understanding of the programme. Shared lunches and open days also provide enjoyment for parents and children, while parents have been invaluable in the coaching of sports and in being involved in Saturday sports. It has been the school’s pleasure to invite any parent who has helped at the school to a lunch before the senior prizegiving.

By 1989 the School Support Group had been very involved in supporting school programmes and activities.They had organised McDonald’s Day, cleaned library shelves, organised the end-ofyear lunch for parent helpers, helped coordinate and run the Stark-Brown picnic, run working bees, overseen the pool during the summer holidays, bought and made curtains for the library, sanded and painted junior class tables, and organised suppers for evening occasions. April 1991 saw the reformation of the support group and in 1993 the support group and the lunchroom committee amalgamated and continued to support the school in many ways as before. Eventually this group was renamed as the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA has continued to be a very involved and important aspect of this school. It has funded playgrounds for each area of the school, sandpit renovations and the gardens, and supported the BOT and ‘athons’. It is the PTA that finds money to support any children who need financial help to go to camp, and organises many discos, sausage sizzles and working bees. The Support Group and more recently the PTA have organised many parent-teacher evenings that covered areas of the curriculum and parenting support. This year two seminars, ‘Boys In Education’ and ‘Hot Tips For Raising Girls’, were highly successful, with approximately 300 people attending each.

Health Wise Support and concern for our children’s health and safety is a fundamental aspect of daily school life. In 1981 the school committee minutes included the comment: ‘Hair infestation continues to be a problem.’ Hearing and vision testing had also taken place as well as road safety learning. All of these still occur 26 years later. Four years on, in 1985 it was noted by the dental nurse of the time that a recent nationwide survey suggested that many New Zealand children were not fit and that a number were overweight. It was decided that any sweets brought to school would be held until after school. Again, a current issue! During 1990 a programme called Hats on Heads was introduced, encouraging children to wear hats whenever they were outside. Wearing hats is now compulsory during the summer months. Failing to wear a hat means sitting in the shade during interval and during sports times.

Information and Communication Technology Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an established part of the twentyfirst century classroom. Back in 1986, there was great excitement when a video and TV were installed in the hall. The next year a BBC computer and two Apple computers were purchased, a typewriter was installed in the library, and a burglar alarm was installed in the administration block as a result of break-ins.

It’s neat having Nana at school.

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A computer evening to show parents how we were able to enhance learning was attended by four parents. Not to be deterred, we continued with this new tool for learning and in 1990 two Apple 11es were purchased.We also won three computers, two printers and software that added to our regular purchase of computers. This trend continued with each class having a computer and in 1998 with government assistance we were able to install cables in half of the school to start a computer network. That year we also bought 20 new PCs so that each class could have a new machine. Two years later the computer suite was completed and 13 new computers were purchased to allow whole class teaching to happen. In 1994 the front office gained a computer and the intercom system was upgraded. The following year saw the library also computerised. The PTA has supported the Board of Trustees in financing computers as funding does not come from the Ministry although it is an expectation that schools have them. Still, in 2004 the Ministry of Education introduced a system whereby all teachers were loaned a laptop. Other purchases that allowed for Information and Communication Technology to develop were a 35mm still camera, a video cam and photocopiers, which were replaced as necessary. Progressively the school has been acquiring digital photographic equipment. We now own five digital still cameras and a digital video camera. Many of these items have been obtained through the Telecom Partner Points scheme. Money earned through productions and talent concerts will continue to provide us with further sound and lighting facilities in our hall.

Learning new skills in the computer suite.

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Lone Kauri School In the heady days of the 1970s it never occurred to Karekare residents that they could not start their own school. Jonathan Hunt offered his land as a site and fundraising was started. It was a challenge for a small, isolated community but they made steady progress toward their goal. At the time they were not sure what form the school would take but did know it would not be a private school because they wanted every local child to be able to attend. In February 1978 the Lone Kauri School began in Kubi Witten-Hannah’s barn under the wing of the Correspondence School. A New Zealand Herald front-page story attracted the attention of a philanthropist who funded the balance of what was needed to erect the purpose-built school. Education Board architect Alec (Bill) Witten-Hannah designed it and by term two the school was running in its own premises. It became clear that working under the Correspondence School system was not ideal and over the next, almost six years the school battled to achieve a satisfactory longterm status. Finally the Ministry was prepared to link Lone Kauri to Oratia as a side school. Its first teacher was Peter Buffet who stayed for two years until his health deteriorated. The Education Board appointed Beverley Thompson to the position, and 22 years on she is still there. The unusual situation of the school has presented challenges over funding and staffing but it has been supported by the boards of trustees, principals and senior management of Oratia District School. It has been a rocky road at times as the roll has fluctuated and the unusual status of the school caused some headaches for the bureaucrats, but it has continued. It has survived the sale of Jonathan Hunt’s property with the new owners (the Grimes family) enthusiastically adopting the school. Links with Oratia School began in 1985 with weekly visits to the pool and have followed with participation in athletic and cultural events. In February 2005 the pupils had fullday visits and were involved in the use of the library and the computer suite, swimming and school assembly. The Lone Kauri side school has been aided by funds raised at the annual (well, mostly) Karekare Beach Races. The school has made many visits and hosted many visitors. From the beginning the school year has finished with a concert and from 1982 a special theme or play has been created as the centrepiece of the Christmas presentation. 67

Part of a Community

Part of a Community Recollections from Irvin West: Relieving Principal (1971), Principal (1981-82) After some years as head of an Auckland inner-city school about to face demolition, it was with considerable elation I found myself appointed as principal of Oratia District School in February of 1971. As a Waitakere resident I had admired the school for both its reputation and an appealing setting and was delighted to take up the appointment. There was the limitation of a 12-month term and ‘fitting in’ with the work of the regular principal, Ferg Still, who had been seconded to the Auckland Teachers’ College for the year. One of the first things I discovered on looking over the then basic school pool was that it held not the cool water expected for term one swimming but tons of paper! Eventually with the collaboration of the caretaker we managed to truck it out to its intended destination. I was quickly to discover there was considerable depth of community care, a warm staff with sound and innovative teaching skills and an office administration that provided me with all the background information needed to get on with the job. The pupils well reflected the values of the many parents who commuted to the city from the Waitakeres or maintained the then profuse vineyards and orchards in the district. My first assembly outside the senior classrooms introduced me to the 300 or so pupils and their teachers. One of the few males appeared in jeans, brightly coloured singlet and what appeared to be a bandsman’s uniform jacket complete with epaulets. On a more professional level, Jill, one of the middle-school teachers had invented, and had made available through the school, innovative moveable inter-fitting furniture well ahead of the times. The teaching staff brought to the school a length of tenure quite unusual in most schools, but this was a very positive attribute with none of the disadvantages associated with lengthy appointments. After ten years I was fortunate to be reappointed to Oratia, this time in a permanent position. Many of the staff I had previously worked with remained and continued to take the school from strength to strength. One of my first moves was to introduce the then widely recognised standardised Tomlinson Attainment Tests, which highlighted the academic abilities of the older pupils and which emphasised the need to meet the challenges of so many gifted children within the school. Creatively, pupils excelled in many ways, and the centennial pageant, with staff and students in wonderfully authentic costumes, was a shining example. Much of my last year was involved in the planning of the centenary celebrations, one of the main features of which was to be the opening of the centennial pool.The dedicated enthusiasm of parent and community workers, including our present mayor, Bob Harvey, kept everyone determined to make the celebrations the success they became.

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A more regular celebration was the school fair, which as well as providing the sale of a rich variety of produce, excelled in offering unique activities and games for young and old. My best memories centre on the students who in so many ways made it a school to enjoy. The sight and sound of the traditional Dalmatian dances and music that so often added colour to the school year, and the many parent/community/student-centred activities, accentuated the aims and goals of the life of the school. While congratulating the school on accomplishing 125 years of service, my wide experience as a past principal and a former reviewer with the Education Review Office leaves me in no doubt that Oratia is at the forefront of today’s most successful schools.

Fundraising A government grant managed by the Board of Trustees and the school covers the basic needs. A school that wishes to provide an enhanced place of learning and lively modern and progressive opportunities for its pupils must look to the immediate and surrounding communities, businesses and charities for extra funds to provide these. A great deal of help comes from parental input in raising the money, giving time, expertise and lots of plain old hard work to the various projects, large and small, that have happened around the school over the years. Oratia has always been most fortunate in having willing help from parents and friends. Following the completion of the swimming pool other projects have been undertaken. A large multifunction hall became a major event. Upgrading of the playgrounds — particularly the junior school playground and netball courts — was needed. Maintaining and developing the library with new books and computerised tracking has been an ongoing project. New technology came in the form of copiers, computers, printers. Videos and TV replaced the old films shown on difficult-to-manage projection equipment. The library benefited from a generous bequest from the Sunde family, from mathathons, spellathons, book fairs and display sales and even from the staff taking on the contract to paint the pool changing sheds and donating the money to books for the library. Visit the junior playground at playtime or lunchtime and you will see children making full use of equipment provided from many sources — sponsorship from two local businesses and a bank, donations from the PTA and money raised at a fair in Glen Eden where willing helpers sold raffle tickets, hot dogs etc. Raising the finance needed for the hall brought out the entrepreneurial side of fundraisers. Garden rambles to beautiful local gardens generously opened by their owners proved very popular and one raised $9000. The PTA were to the fore in organising games evenings, discos and a garden party and sourcing grants from the Waitakere Licensing Trust. Children held lunchtime stalls and ran raffles, donations were received and a grant of $234,000 was a great boost. Crowning touches to the beautiful building are a tower housing a large clock and below this the refurbished school handbell that the principal rings every morning at nine o’clock.

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The lunchroom committee ran sausage sizzles and made donations from lunchroom profits to help cover the costs of Year 5 and 6 annual camps and set up the sports teams in uniforms. Fundraising has been done by the pupils for donations to others. Fun runs raised money for World Vision. The Heart Foundation Jump Rope programme was linked into the physical education programme and culminated in a sponsored Jump Rope day with the proceeds going to the Heart Foundation.Telethon appeals were supported with car cleaning and other pupilrun activities. Coin trail donations went to cyclone relief, the Solomon Islands and the James Family Trust.

Jump Rope skills taken to Aotea Square 1988.

Coin trail for Papua New Guinea.

Of Gala Days and Country Fairs Country Fair Day 2007 became a rather wet event but still raised $32,000. Mary Redgrove, secretary of the School Committee in the 1950s, reports they thought they had done well to take over 100 pounds and again in the 1980s we thought we had done well to take $2000! On one memorable occasion, at the close of a successful day, after the cleaning-up had been done and the celebratory cup of tea enjoyed with the usual post mortem by the day’s workers (no wine then, mark you), Dorothy Evans and I were left in the office to count the money. Our friendly bank manager had agreed to meet us in Glen Eden at a prearranged time to receive as much of the cash as had been prepared and keep it safely in the bank over the weekend. (We were not about to risk losing it to a break-in as happened some years later.) We had the blinds drawn, the door securely locked and we were getting on well when suddenly we heard a car drive up, a key turn in the lock, and in walked our principal. He had gone home, changed into his gardening clothes and then had a twinge of conscience at leaving two women to cope with all that cash so he had come back to take the money to the bank for us. He picked up the canvas bag, leaving us still counting money, and left.

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Shortly afterwards he returned looking a trifle sheepish. He had duly met up with the bank manager who viewed him suspiciously, saying he was expecting a woman in a little red Mini, and wondering if he was about to be hit on the head. He took the bag, saying it didn’t feel as though there was much in it, emptied it out on the counter, and out poured a pile of nails! Our helpful principal had picked up the bag of nails from the nail-driving competition. Val Lyon, School Secretary 1967–94

Community Use of School Facilities Outside normal school hours, the school’s facilities have been available for public use, and many diverse groups have availed themselves of them. The small multi-purpose hall was used by the Academy of Creative Dance for providing an after-school programme for pupils. In the evenings local ladies had their ‘Keep Fit’ classes, Neighbourhood Watch meetings were held, and the AntiNuclear group met there too. Oratia Scout Group was a regular evening user and in 1983, with sponsorship from local industries, ran a holiday entertainment programme. The Scouts and Cubs also made use of the lunchroom and staffroom in their fundraising pizza-selling activities. Oratia Soccer Club has made use of the hall and fields from time to time and once set up a collection centre for a bottle drive. Netball teams have trained on the courts. Most users pay a nominal fee. For many years the Aotea Caravan Club held weekend gatherings and transformed the playing field into a colourful campsite. In 1986 they were paying $4 per caravan and had the use of the pool. In 2006 after a break of several years they once again returned. Once our amazing school hall was opened it was quickly utilised during school hours. However, to make the most of this facility it was offered for hire to the community, with consideration to the school neighbours and ensuring there was no conflict with use at the local Settlers’ Hall.

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Among regular hirers have been Kids 4 Drama, karate, tae kwon do, dance, yoga and pilates classes, assuring occupancy of the hall every weeknight.Weekend use has been mostly dance and drama groups holding performances. Our fields have been used over the years by various outside groups. The North Harbour Netball Union used our netball courts in the early nineties, and the pool was also used by Dick Quax for his running coaching school that was housed at Knock Na Gree during a summer. Even the kindergarten had an overnight camp at school in 1991.

The School Pool In 1979 a pool committee was formed to coordinate fundraising activities and work towards the construction of a replacement for the existing pool (built in 1945). The original pool had given good service but was far too small for the increased roll of over 500 pupils. The aim was for the official pool opening to coincide with the centenary celebrations at Labour Weekend 1982. A wide variety of fundraising activities were devised, from raffles, galas, bottle drives, coal bagging and selling, fruit sales and social events, to spellathons and discos. Inflation increased the original cost of around $40,000 to beyond $60,000. In early 1982 the School Committee organised weekend parent helper groups to demolish the pool and on-site buildings. Tenders were called and the new pool was underway. Funds were boosted with the sale of bricks that are set into an end wall and inscribed with the donors’ names. The new pool is large enough for two classes to use at one time and includes a beach area for junior learners and wheelchair access. It has catered for the school swimming sports, and a variety of lifesaving and boating There’s plenty of space in our new pool. demonstrations.Wooden decking and seating lines the pool on one side, and a barbecue area was later added for picnic groups. This was later decommissioned. Fencing of the whole area and planting of trees in and around the area complete the scene. Each year parents and the community have the opportunity to purchase keys to use the pool outside school hours. The sale of keys for public use began at $10 and this was increased to $15 with a refund of $5 on return of the key. In 1985 there were over 200 keys on loan. Most users respected the area and rules though some didn’t which led to the School Committee making a recommendation that the names of rule abusers be published in the newsletter and they be ‘relieved of keys if rules broken’. All key holders were told they had authority to confront pool abusers. Daily maintenance of the pool during term time is in the hands of the caretaker. Initially January and weekend maintenance was carried out by a roster of key holders but recently one person has taken responsibility for this — a big job over holiday time. Safety is always a concern. 72

They Went to Oratia . . . Professor Boyd Swinburn, 1958-66 At Oratia District School, as far as he can remember, Boyd played barefoot rugby on the muddy field and tested homemade skateboards on the asphalt. His future as a doctor was evident when the headmaster paraded his writing skills in front of the class (‘It looks like a chook walked across this page’). At Auckland Grammar he graduated to rugby boots and, according to his school reports, achieved ‘short of his potential’. As a resident doctor, he led the industrial action to reduce the crazy working hours of junior doctors and later, as the medical director of the National Heart Foundation, his balding head kept popping up on television and his low rumblings could be heard on radio trying to get action on heart disease and obesity prevention. In 2001, he was appointed the Professor of Population Health at Deakin University in Melbourne where he currently pursues his research to prevent childhood obesity. Like a broken record, he continues his advocacy for action on obesity prevention within Australia, and through his work with the World Health Organisation and the International Obesity Taskforce he suffers delusions of changing the world as well. His wife, his three grown children and his parents (who still live in Oratia) continue to shake their heads and smile kindly. Helen Medlyn, 1963-70, Head Girl 1970 I loved Oratia District School, and Mr Butters in particular. I can see his smiling face now, pipe clamped in his teeth, white hair akimbo, all the time encouraging and nurturing my love and aptitude for music. I am also grateful to Mr Dixon who carried on that tradition. I’m not sure I would have been the successful diva I am without having had those two men in my life. Even though I’ve lived out of suitcases for more years than I care to remember and I have no home of my own, this career of mine is full of riches of other kinds and has taken me to Australia, Japan, Malaysia, the UK and the USA. Some highlights from my eclectic mix of work include portraying Joy Gresham in the play Shadowlands and Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, being the mezzo soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House; playing a Rhinemaiden and a Valkyrie in Wagner’s four-opera epic, The Ring; and steaming up a few pairs of spectacles in my ‘hell’ cabaret shows! Ewen ‘The Westie’ Gilmour, 1968-74 One memory I have is coming third in a sand saucer competition. I knew I was never going to be a prefect but I had pinned my hopes on being a crossing guard... I didn’t get the job. I was one of the ringleaders who organised and led a protest against the workers who were chopping down the original pine trees by the field. An angry mob of seven- and eight-year-olds ran at them armed with hot cups of soup that we threw from a safe distance. I remember in a school play about Noah’s Ark I was one of the monkeys — I’ve been typecast ever since. I still have a tiny trophy for winning the Bruce McLaren Intermediate School cross-country when I was in form one. At Kelston Boys I enjoyed fifth form so much I did it twice.

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I worked in a variety of jobs after leaving school, including at a lot of the local vineyards and orchards. By the age of 32 I had worked in over 50 jobs (I never got fired, just got bored). Entering the comedy scene was never a lifelong goal, it was kind of accidental, but it has turned out to be the longest job I’ve ever had. I got married in 2003 to my lovely wife and thought I’d better get a real job, so in 2004 I became a councillor for Waitakere City. I am and always will be very proud of my Westie background. Matthew Barnett, 1978-83 Matthew remembers that having a loud voice enabled him to lead Mrs Rogers’ M-aori culture group for the haka despite being in the running for palest, skinniest boy in the class. He was awarded the Dux of School at the end of Standard 4, an achievement of which he is still proud. After receiving a BSc (1994) and MSc (1997, with first class honours), Matthew graduated in May 2005 with a PhD in Biological Sciences, with his doctoral thesis investigating the effect that a mother’s diet during pregnancy and lactation can have on the health of her child. Now married to Katherine, Matthew is a post-doctoral Fellow funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology at Ag Research. Matthew has maintained his interest in music, having played regularly in bands since the early 1990s. He has taken to busking at the Oratia Settlers’ Market with three other Oratia locals: Matthew Moncur, Jonny Moncur and Yohanna Davidson. He is in the throes of planning a house to be built in Oratia, ‘because it’s the best place in the world’.

More recently he has completed two and a half years as TV3 weather presenter, sung the national anthem at a netball test between New Zealand and Australia, become a celebrity chef presenting Tegel Taste Kitchen, duelling with the ‘Naked Chef ’, Jamie Oliver, presenting Masterfoods products and demonstrating at food shows. He is moving to the United Kingdom with his girlfriend to break into the London theatre circuit. Natasha Judd (Leitch), 1986-91 Natasha Judd always wanted to be a writer. At Oratia District School, she wrote long rhyming poems featuring a made-up monster called The Glogetta. Her father still thinks these are her best works. Natasha studied communications at Auckland University of Technology, and completed an MA in Creative Writing at Victoria University, Wellington. She edited for Tearaway Online and Vibewire.net, and had articles, poetry and short stories published in The Listener, JAAM, Fiction Plus and Voiceworks. In 2003, Natasha won the open section of the Bank of New Zealand Katherine Mansfield Memorial Awards — the youngest writer to win this short story prize in its 44-year history. Her first novel, Lessons to Learn, has been published by Cape Catley in 2007. Over the past five years, Natasha has lived in New Zealand, Australia, Korea and the USA, and worked in jobs that range from checking in guests at a ski resort to managing the redevelopment of the youth depression awareness website. In 2007, Natasha’s living in London with her husband Matthew, and working for the Alzheimer’s Society, writing and managing website content.

Russell Dixon, 1981-86 At Oratia Russell was a member of the soccer, swimming and cross-country teams, the choir and orchestra. He won the speech cup, swimming cup and drama cup. He has good memories of the friendly school community, the Stark-Brown picnics, the music festivals at Bruce McLaren Intermediate, the large adventure playground on the back field, the paper shed at the bottom of the drive, the centennial celebration with the time capsule, pioneer day, the ‘Oratia My Valley’ song, the school fairs and flower shows. His family had a key to the swimming pool and enjoyed summers using it. On leaving Waitakere College, Russell completed a three-year diploma in Hospitality Management, became a chef and continued to be involved in theatre. For the past seven years he has been performing professionally in theatre, corporate events and productions throughout New Zealand.

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The Stark-Brown Picnic In 1982 Michael Stark-Brown, a local resident, remembering the friendly place Oratia was when he first came here and the happiness he had enjoyed over the years, decided to set up a trust in memory of his late wife, Grace. These funds were to be used for the children of Oratia, (the school, the kindergarten, the playcentre and the Sunday school) so that they could have an annual picnic.When Michael died he left a further sum in his will to ensure that enough money would be available to give the pupils a good time. The Public Trust Office administers the trust fund and the income from the fund goes to the Stark-Brown Trust Committee.This committee meets with representatives of the school, kindergarten, play centre and Sunday school to organise the picnic. Using the fund, entertainers are engaged to provide an exciting family evening, and children are supplied with free goodies on the day. Families are invited to join in and bring along their own picnic meal or barbecue. The first picnic was held at the school in 1982. Children took part in sack races, egg and spoon races and a tug-o-war, and each was given a bag with stationery items. Food including locally grown fruit was provided.

In 1983 a fleet of buses took 500 children across the harbour bridge to Long Bay. A generous budget of $1200 provided the transport, drinks, sweets or ice blocks and entertainment from a People in Parks group.The school committee took charge of the barbecue.All succeeding picnics (with no picnic in 1988) have been held at the school. Magicians, clowns, music groups, jugglers with flaming torches,The Aunties entertainment group, a bouncy castle and a didgeridoo player have all made appearances as part of the entertainment, but the most popular item has been Wally the Worm. The principal and staff from the school, with help from the kindergarten and Sunday school committees, have had significant involvement with the running of the picnics. Each year’s picnic has been an enjoyable community event, centred around the children. From 1986 the financial situation of the picnic trust resulted in considerably less money being available. In 2003 the committee began seeking outside funding and has received grants from the Oratia Ratepayers and Residents Association and the Waitakere Community Board Wellbeing fund. The school has also funded some activities. Hylton Crowsen, a member of the picnic committee since its inception and chairman (after Paddy Marshall) from 1983 until 2005, collated a tribute booklet to Grace and Michael StarkBrown in 2006. A copy is available in the Oratia Folk Museum and at the school.

J.M. Stark-Brown Scholarship Bequest As well as setting up the trust to provide for an annual picnic for Oratia children, Michael StarkBrown left in his will a bequest to provide scholarship assistance for former pupils of Oratia School who attend Lincoln College or Massey University (including the Albany campus). Recipients of the scholarship must have attended Oratia School for at least one year, and the course or courses to be studied would usually be of an agricultural or horticultural nature, though the Public Trust Office has a significant power of discretion in deciding who will be recipients of the scholarships. Since the commencement of the scholarship in January 1982 a sum of approximately $90,043 has been granted to nine former pupils. As the trust fund will be available in perpetuity, qualified candidates could well be able to avail themselves of this very generous help in years to come. Ex-pupils who have made use of the Trust express gratitude for the financial help and have mostly used the money to pay for their course books. They include Aaron Beckham, Matthew Bell, Jill Byers and Emily Scragg.

Wally the Worm makes an appearance at the Stark-Brown picnic.

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The School Hall A group of committed people came together in 1993 to make the vision of a new school hall a reality. Throughout the whole of the project Cal Greer, Pam Thomas and Jocelyn McAlpine hardly missed a meeting of the committee that I chaired. We needed to raise a substantial amount, as the funding agencies would only contribute so much. To do this we had a series of fundraising events including two garden rambles, with ten gardens to view each time and Devonshire teas served at two of them. Also well supported was a garden party at Annie Whittle’s place near the TV mast in Waiatarua, with a jazz band and string quartet. We had raffles and asked for donations from past pupils as well as getting funding from country fairs and ‘athons’. The architect Brian Keyes came up with a design we immediately loved. His design fitted perfectly with the Sunshine block, which is currently the senior school classrooms. It was not difficult to get support for this project from parents as they knew how hard it was for staff to deliver the curriculum without a school hall.Also, holding assemblies was always hard as there was no space to accommodate the whole school, so they had taken place on the senior playground, weather permitting. Ultimately we could not have built the hall without the support of the ASB Charitable Trust, Lotteries and the Ministry of Education, which together provided twothirds of the funding. We were also indebted to past pupils and parents such as Miro and Doris Sumich, who provided the funding for the three-sided clock in the clock tower.

Turning the first sod. Miro Sumich, Tom Chapman (oldest past pupil), Levi Crookes-Heywood (youngest pupil).

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Julian Bogalo lovingly restored the old school bell that was located after some hunting down, in the back garden of an Oratia resident. Many other people supported the project and the full list is held at the school in a leather-bound book at the front entranceway to the hall. The hall finally opened in December 1998 and everyone who was involved with this project is very proud to have been a part of providing such a delightful and functional building for future generations at the school. Jan Brown

Official opening of our school hall.

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The 125th Jubilee The first meeting for the 125th Jubilee Committee was held in May of 2003, attended by Rusty Gash,Val Lyon, Jocelyn McAlpine, Jan Brown, Fiona Drummond and Pam Thomas. The group gradually grew with a balance of community members and school staff, who decided that the jubilee would be held late in 2007. It was unanimously decided to commission a sculpture that incorporated Oratia’s orcharding and schoolchildren with the Waitakeres as a backdrop. It would be placed at the intersection of Shaw and West Coast Roads.The commission was given to local sculptor Toby Twiss, and a fundraising schedule was set.

The committee organised a database, publicity, a website, fundraising, site preparation, publicity and consent requirements. By December the group had become an incorporated society under the name of Oratia School and Community Development Group and by February of 2004 had been awarded a grant from the Creative Communities Fund. Allan Sumich offered his services to do a spit for us that could be in conjunction with an event, June Dicks (past pupil) and her husband offered to set up a database, the Endt family offered their gardens, Artisan wines gave wine and offered a percentage of their sales at events, David Vale and family offered their expertise for publication and design of printed materials, Matt Hall-Smith set up the website, and Peter Dowling took on editing of the book. A grant of $5000 from the South Auckland Charitable Trust went towards a maquette of the sculpture, and a Historical Day was held with photographs, speakers and afternoon tea, funded by a Community Wellbeing grant. This was followed in 2006 by a late-afternoon function at the Endt’s property, with meats cooked by Allan Sumich, wines by Artisan and the background music of Westumbria. During this time the school had held meetings and begun planning for 2007. Studies during the year would be related to ‘time bringing about change’. This allowed for coverage of a wide range of aspects that included occupations within the community, our physical environment, technology, leisure activities, changes within the school and associated topics. Also within this year the gathering of content for the companion book for the original Little School in the Valley was gathering momentum. A magazine for the current year’s pupils and staff is also to be published. In 2007 subgroups were formed and responsibilities shared, with reporting back at each meeting. Committee members demonstrated their support and willingness to give huge amounts of time and skills voluntarily. April 2007 saw a further successful fundraiser, the Autumnal Ramble, where some very supportive and cooperative landowners allowed a large group of people to walk through their properties and learn the history of the Oratia Valley. At time of writing in mid-2007, resource and building consents have been given, other consents are in the pipeline, the database is being finalised, the website is regularly being updated, the various areas that will ensure the success of the jubilee have been set, the book is with the editor, and costings and fine-tuning are now the priorities.

The sculpture maquette.

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Appendices

Appendices

Staffing over the Past 25 Years Teachers

Memorial Awards

1959-61, 1965-93, 2002-2004 Mrs Judy Harré (Scale A, Snr Tchr)

The dux of Oratia District School was awarded the Petrina M. Theet Memorial award until 1975; subsequently it has been the Lucia Parkin Memorial Award. 1982 Ana Jolly 1983 Matthew Barnett 1984 Richard Thomas 1985 Jeremy McCaughey 1986 Kirsten Henry 1987 Nicholas Smith 1988 Juliet Casey 1989 Jeffrey Hoffman 1990 Sarah Ashton; Paul Davies 1991 Jacqueline Young 1992 Julia Vale 1993 Samuel Ashton 1994 Gabrielle Shrives; Jared Tannahill 1995 Alexandra Cardinal 1996 Nathania Reyes 1997 Rohan Fletcher 1998 Laura Counsell; Chad Edwards 1999 Nicholas Ogle 2000 Joshua McArthur 2001 Keegan Hume 2002 Warrick Isaachsen 2003 Madeline Henry 2004 Michael Brown 2005 Miro Harré 2006 Campbell Brown

1969, 1981-86, 1995-2005 Mrs Bev Dixon 1969-94, 1995-2004 Mrs Anne Rogers (Scale A, Snr Tchr.) 1971, 1973-76, 1979-81 Mrs Sheena Spittles 1973-83 Mr Warwick Blight (D.P.) 1973-89 Mrs Betty Cochrane (Scale A, Snr Tchr.) 1973-89 Mrs Gloria Whiting (A. P.) 1975-94 Mr Mike Jolly 1977-87 Mrs Rose Steer 1977-88 Mrs Joy Thomson 1978-80 Mrs Unkitza Middledorp 1979-85 Ms Lisa Burke (Er) 1979-80, 1988-present Mrs Pam Thomas (Snr Tchr, A. P., D. P.) 1980-81 Mr Tony Middledorp 1980-83 Mrs Robin Bonner 1981 Mrs Glenys Knox

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1981-82 Mr Irvin West (Principal) 1981-82, 1999-present Mrs Cheryl Hartnell 1981-83, 1990-2004 Mrs Cath Dye (Snr Tchr) 1982-83 Mrs Jenny Kelly 1982-85 Mrs Karen Clarke 1982-85, 1998-present Mrs Merilyn Wills 1982-83 Mr Simon Jenkins 1982-83 Mrs Ann Maree Molloy 1982-86 Mr Allan Fowler 1983-88 Miss Louise Kordina (Wilkenson) 1983-84 Mrs Helen King 1983-85 Mr John Kirby (Principal) 1983-84 Mr Allan Dennis 1983-84 Mrs Caroline Northcott 1984-85 Miss Sharon Logan 1984-87 Mrs Robyn Gate 1984-85, 1987-88 Mrs Leslie Mahoney

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1984-87 Mr Neil Mahoney (D.P.)

1986 Mrs Janet Gilford

1989 Mrs Helen Hart

1993-present Mr Cal Greer (Principal)

1984 Mrs Janette Franks

1986-89 Mrs Norma Hall

1989-99 Miss Robyn Firth (Joyce)

1993-98 Mrs Helen Taylor

1984 Mrs Barbara Jackson

1986-89 Mr Peter Buffet (Oratia and Lone Kauri)

1989-97 Mrs Ann Pearson

1993 Mara Smith (Lone Kauri)

1984-91, 2000-2001 Mrs Joanne Duxfield

1987-88 Ms C. Leonard

1989-2000 Mrs Wendy Tannahill

1994 Mrs Patricia House

1985-89 Mrs Barbara Oram

1987-88 Miss W. van Heeswijk 1987 Mrs Barbara Hammond

1994-95 Mrs Jenny Ellis

1985-92 Mr Joe Younger (Principal)

1989, 1992, 1994-98, 2002-present Mrs Kathy Wadsworth (Scale A, Snr Tchr, A.P.)

1985 Miss Adams

1987-89, 1992-95 Mrs Christine Shadbolt

1985 Mrs Angela Hickey

1988-present Ms Jacqueline Thomson

1985 Mrs Dorothy Douglas

1988-91 Mr Colin Jacobsen (D.P.)

1985-95 Mrs Murielle Gill

1988 Mrs Michelle Wharton-Allen

1985-86 Miss Rosemary Craig

1988-90 Ms Nerissa Carr-Neale

1985-86, 1990 Mr Mike Pocklington

1988 Ms Michelle Thompson

1985 Miss Viv Thompson

1988 Mrs Bev Golding

1985-present Mrs Bev Thompson (Lone Kauri)

1988-89 Mrs Zoe Evison

1985-91 Mrs Pam Jolly

1988 Mr Warren Wheeler

1986-93, 2000-present Mrs Debbie Brown

1989-97 Mrs Ellis Zwart

1986 Mrs Stevens

1989-95 Mrs Rosalie Hill

1990-96 Miss Lisa Katavich 1990-91 Mrs Vicki Marquet 1990-91 Mrs Bridget Brent

1994 Miss Jenny Osbaldiston 1995-96 Ms Nicola Rowan-Armstrong 1995-2001, 2004 Mrs Elaine Bisset

1990-91 Miss Kathryn Garside

1995-2003 Mrs Cheryl Davies-Crook (Snr Tchr, A.P.)

1990-present Mrs Viv Mulgrew (Lone Kauri)

1995-2000 Mrs Jo Ann Yukich

1991-present Mr Dugald Martin (D.P.)

1995-2002 Mrs Angela Whyte

1991-present Mrs Lyn Harron (Scale A, Snr Tchr, Scale A)

1996 Ms Gabrielle Van Alphen

1991-present Mrs Carol Hope (Scale A, Snr Tchr) 1992-93 Mrs Stephanie Julian 1992-99 Mrs Sarah Holland (Richards) 1992 Mrs Joanne Hurley

1996 Mrs Nina Prasad 1996-97, 1999-2000, 2004 Mr Gerald Davis 1996-present Mrs Susan Frazer (Kellett) 1996-97 Mrs Lindy Goldsmith

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1996-97 Mrs Linda Andrews

1999-present Mr Lloyd Wheeler

2003, 2006 Mrs Melanie Tomes

1990-95 Mrs Sue Ashton

1996-present Miss Sarah Jackson (Harris) (Scale A, Snr Tchr)

1999-2001 Mr Mark Edwards

2003 Miss Martine Lord

1990-95 Mrs Kerry Downey

2000-2001, 2002 Miss Amanda Shaw

2003-present Ms Davina Derecourt

1990-present Mrs Sue Edgerley

2000 Mrs Jan Peach

2003-present Mrs Marilyn Stacey

1993 Mrs Penny Bogalo

2000-2002 Miss Lianna Rogers

2004-present Miss Lysette Matthews

1994-present Mrs Denise Price

2000-2002 Mr James Cliff

2004-present Miss Kiri Steed

1994-97 Mrs Jackie Parks

2000 Mrs Elizabeth Keal

2004-present Mrs Jane Robinson

1994-2000 Mrs Stephanie Day

2000 Miss Jenny Whittington

2005-present Mrs Catherine Rowllings

1994-98 Mrs Tania de Bazin (Plowman)

2000-present Mrs Carol Walden

2005 Mrs Jane Grimmond

1994 Mrs Helen Counsell

2000-present Mrs Sharon Bushby

2005 Mrs Dianne Shariff (Lone Kauri)

1994-95 Mrs Bianca Vasey

2001, 2006-present Ms Gillian McCloud

2005-present Mrs Kathy Chandler

1995-98 Mrs Liza Brown

2001-2002 Ms Clare Paterson

2006 Mrs Jo Hall

1995-97 Mrs Phillipa Colman (Nicholson)

2001-2004, 2007 Miss Lee Willering

2006-present Miss Rebecca Pirret

1995 Mrs Sue Forgie

2001-present Miss Lisa Johanson (Lilley)

2006-present Miss Krystal Anderson

1995-present Mrs Rita Dougal

2002-present Ms Judith Serjeant

2007-present Ms Rebecca Draper

1995-2000 Mrs Nyree Essex

2003-2004 Mr Jake Taplin

Teacher Aides

1995-present Mrs Sue Peggs

1996-97 Mr Stephen Roberts 1997-present Mrs Kay Spray 1997-2000 Mrs Joanna Elliott 1997-99 Mrs Karen Pragert 1998-2000 Mrs Jill McArthur 1998 Ms Lorraine Mundy 1998-2002 Mrs Rebecca Marshall 1998-2003 Mrs Sandra Palmer 1998-present Mrs Desiree Pillay 1998-2000, 2002-2006 Miss Fleur Purdue



1998 Ms Cecile L’Estrange 1999 Ms Helen Kay 1999 Mrs Neena Taneja 1999-present Miss Joanne Clarke

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2003-present Mrs Karen Holley

1990-92 Mrs Kerry Mayer

1995-97 Mrs Sue Ryan

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1995-2001 Mrs Suzanne O’Donnell

2002-2003 Ms Cynthia Hunt

1996-present Mrs Cathy Hughes

1984-2001 Mrs Clara Jobsis

1995-2003 Mrs Lottie Tiavaasui-Martin

2003-2006 Mrs Caroline Leader

2002-2003 Mrs Kerry Downey

?-85 Mr Mark Robertson

1996-97 Ms Debbie Young

2003-present Mrs Lisa Rowe

2003-present Mrs Wendy Roigard

1985-? Mrs Smith

1996-97 Mrs Donna Feavearyear

2003-2004 Mrs Justine Paice

Library

1985-? Mr Rex Embling

1996-97 Mrs Deidre Noel

2006-present Mrs Rachel van Polanen

1997 Mrs Nova Gibson

2007-present Mrs Rebecca Draper

Dental Nurses

1997-2000 Mrs Diane Loe

Teacher Support

Mrs Cushla Hollings

1974-96 Mrs Margaret Jones

1987-95 Mrs Mona Cooper

Caretakers Mr van Glabbeek

1989-92 Mrs Valerie Matthews

?-87 Mr Jim Peters

1993-93 Mr Damien Brown

1987-94 Mr Bill Cooper

1993-93 Ms Rosina Poulson

1994-96 Mr Colin Tait

1994-present Mr Patrick Ware

1996-97 Mr Bill Adie

1994 Ms Janice Russell

1997-2006 Mr Ben Yeardley

1994-? Mr Craig Downey

2007-present Mr Bruce Smith

1994-99 Mr Gary McAlpine

Cleaners

1994-99 Mr Meatuai Kita

?-84 Mrs Corrine Perrett

1995-2002 Miss Clare Hughes

1984-85 Mr Brett Robertson

1998-2002 Mr Paul McAlpine

1997-99 Mrs Ngaire Eaddy 1998-2003 Mrs Barbara Fletcher 1998 Ms Inez Clark 1998-99 Mrs Iris Comuzzo 1998-2003 Mrs Jan Carey 1998-2000 Mrs Donna Whitehouse 1999-2000 Mrs Jean Andrews 1999-2000 Mrs Sue Sedon 1999 Mr Chris Campbell 2000 Mrs Lina Stone

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1993-96 Mrs Cathy Hughes 2001-present Mrs Glenys Taylor 2005-present Miss Sophie Wills Office 1967-94 Mrs Val Lyon 1973-95 Mrs Margaret Jones 1995-present Mrs Jocelyn McAlpine 1995-2000 Mrs Penny Bogalo 1996-2001 Mrs Robyn Reber

1984-present Mrs Dorothy Evans

Mrs Margaret Donahey

?-89 Ms Margaret Blake 1986-2001 Mr Frank Jobsis

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1999-2001 Mrs Julie Watson

1998-present Mrs Pam White

1989-91 Mr Brent Cederman (Treasurer)

1998-2007 Mrs Liza Brown (Chair 1999)

1999 Ms Tracey Aicken

Gardeners

1989-98 Mr Stephen Parkes (Treasurer)

2001-2004 Mrs Shirley Campbell

1989-93 Mrs Judy Harré (Staff rep/Sec)

2001-2004 Mr Ross Davenport

1989-98 Mr Kubi Witten-Hannah (Chair 1990)

2003-2004 Mr Nick de Zoete

1990-91 Mr Rod Wills (co-opted)

2003-present Mr Greg Fletcher

1991-94 Mr Cleve Barlow (co-opted)

2004-2007 Ms Sarah Jackson (Staff rep)

1991 Mrs Jenny Smith (Minute Sec)

2004-present Mr Peter Dowling (Chair 2007)

1991-2001 Dr John Sumich (Chair 1999)

2007-present Mrs Christine Healey

1992-94 Mrs Beverley Blake

2007-present Mrs Carol Hope (Staff Rep)

1993-present Mr Cal Greer

2007-present Mr Kevin Long (Treasurer)

1994-2004 Mrs Lyn Harron (Staff Rep)

2007-present Mr Chris Stone

Board of Trustees

1994-2007 Mrs Jan Brown

2007-present Mr Erik van den Top

2003-present Mrs Dana House

1989-95 Mrs Bridget Brent (Chair 1989)

1995-2001 Mrs Helen Penman

Community Consultation Committee, 1989

2005-present Mrs Pat Wood

1989-92 Mr Joe Younger

1995-98 Mr Tutai Kopa

2006-present Mrs Stacey Harris

1989-92 Mrs Jocelyn McAlpine (co-opted - Financial Manager)

1998-2007 Mr Ian Lewington (Treasurer)

Val Cawson Brent Cederman Sue Forgie Jim Harré Steve Parkes Wendy Tannahill Rod Wills

1999 Miss Laura Bogalo 1999 Ms Michelle Walker 1999-2000 Mrs Sue Sedon 1999-2000 Mr Simon Bogalo 2000 Mr Dominic Hartnett 2000 Ms Erica Close 2000 Ms Raewyn Hutchinson 2000 Mr Chris Hughes 2003-2005 Mrs Tina Chan Tung 2003-present Mrs Elaine Hewitt

Lunchroom 1999-present Mrs Shona Stacey

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1992-93 Mr Chris Timms 1998-99 Mrs Kerry Downey 1999-2000 Mrs Hillary Thacker 2002 Mrs Ann-Maree Sapich 2002-present Mr Maurice Mitchell 2005-present Ms Natalie Spear School Committee Chairs 1983 Mr Tony Lane 1986 Mr Steve Glucina 1987 Mr Ian McCallum

1989-95 Mrs Sue Forgie

1998-2001 Mrs Ingrid O’Hanlon (co-opted)

We apologise for any errors or omissions.

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The last words

125 Year Jubilee Committee

Richard Walters (Year 3) ‘I think Oratia School is good, except when I try to climb up the wall of the Year 3 and Year 4 playground, because it is too steep. I really want to stay in Room 9 because it’s got the Star of the Day and I think Oratia kids are good to play with. I want the sundial to stay there and also I want the classes to stay where they are because if we have more classes we would have a shorter field. ‘I really like lunchtime because I can play with my friends and I like fitness because I can learn Jump Jam. SSR [Sustained Silent Reading] is good because we can read the books that we get from the library and I like doing the group box and using the calculator at maths.’ Victoria Whittaker (two weeks at school) ‘I like Jump Jam ’cause I like dancing and I like making egg-tray caterpillars. I like doing stories about things like the hail stones on the bark. My friends like me. My teacher tells me to play inside when it’s raining outside. Tia [the school cat] can go under the gate and I know her because my brother was here before.’ Richard and Victoria are direct descendants of the Cochran family. Five consecutive generations have attended the school from the early days of the part-time school.

Back row: Glenys Taylor, Michael Davis, Vic Sunde, Cal Greer, Val Lyon, Mary Glucina, Vic Glucina, Adith Stoneman, Gus Nola Seated: Pam Thomas, Miro Sumich, Jan Brown, Fiona Drummond, Rusty Gash, Judy Harré Front: Jane Binsley, Jocelyn McAlpine, Tracey Murray

By 2032, 150 years of students will have been through Oratia District School. They will have worked and played with members of the many generations of Oratia families and experienced the uniqueness of this community where traditions survive.What will the next quarter century bring? We look towards Oratia remaining a community where students, teachers and their families proudly acknowledge their connections with the little school in the valley.

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Acknowledgements GeoSmart Limited — permission to use aerial photo (p.6) Oratia Apple — publicity Oratia Ratepayers and Residents Association — information and publicity Waitakere City Council Wellbeing Fund — grant of $1000 towards printing Waiatarua Community News — publicity Michael Butler — historical archive Hylton Crowsen — making available for use his Grace and Michael Stark-Brown booklet Robin Binsley, Graeme Gash — artworks Kerry Gould — making available her articles and photos from the Oratia Apple Bob Harvey — permission to use extracts from Little School in the Valley Mike Pocklington — mihi Raewyn Robertson — local history librarian, Henderson library Contributors — Matthew Barnett, Botica family, Bridget Brent, Jan Brown, Liza Brown, Geoff Davidson, Dean family, Bev Dixon, Russell Dixon, Peter Dowling, Mate Dragicevich, Fiona Drummond, Cath Dye, Rusty Gash, Ewen Gilmour, Cal Greer, Dave Harré, Natasha Judd, Larsen family, Val Lyon, Lindsay Malam, Dugald Martin, Jocelyn McAlpine, Helen Medlyn, Carolyn Melling-Endt, Tracey Murray, Cyril Nola, Gillian Painter, Tony and Jenny Palmer, Diane and Alan Sumich, John Sumich, Boyd Swinburn, Zlatomir and Zora Vitasavich, Helen Vlasich, Richard Walters, Irvin West, Jack Whittaker, Victoria Whittaker, Kubi Witten-Hannah, Debbie Wood Oratia District School staff — time and assistance Helio Design and Print — Dave, Cheryl and Julia Vale Jane Binsley and Graham Hepburn — proofreading Photo Life Studios Ltd, Ted Scott, Natalie Spear, Lloyd Wheeler — photography All past pupils for their memories and all the people who helped us to write their stories by meeting with us, or provided articles and information. Unfortunately due to space constraints it was not possible to include all the material that was submitted. Some of this can be accessed in the school library.

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The Little School in the Valley

Our little school — with a roll of over 500 pupils no longer so ‘little’ — retains a unique community character and a tradition of excellence. This publication captures the history and character of the Oratia district, school business and highlights, and personal recollections from those who have studied, taught and volunteered at this much-loved school.

The Little School in the Valley: 25 Years On

Nestled in the Oratia Valley west of Auckland, Oratia District School has served its community for 125 years. Published for the 125th Jubilee in November 2007, The Little School in the Valley: 25 Years On carries on where the 1982 centennial book left off to celebrate the school’s history, particularly the last 25 years.

25 Years On

Oratia District School  1882-2007