There was a great sense of friendship and interest in the air as past and present pupils and staff gathered on a fine 50th jubilee celebration at Pukekohe North school on the weekend.
Last minute jobs had all been completed and all that now mattered was to meet and greet old friends and dignitaries.
Friday night's opening and mix-and-mingle went very well.
Saturday, after Nancy Douglas, one of the first teachers, rang the school bell and Ted Lewis, the first chairperson, had raised the flag, everything went smoothly.
Franklin District mayor Mark Ball and local MP Dr. Paul Hutchison unveiled the school's plaque, and the late Bev Phillips' family opened the new Music Suite that was named in her honour.
Pukekohe North School's most famous son, former Minnesota Vikings NFL player, David Dixon opened the ICT David Dixon Suite.
The new suite is well-equipped for music and will soon have 15 keyboards to accompany the drums and guitars already supplied.
Deputy principal, Materoa Kite, or Nan, as she is affectionately known was met by many greetings starting with "Remember me ?" during the weekend.
A highlight for past pupils, ex-teachers and families was the tour through the classrooms.
Memories were shared with teachers like Ann Short and Nicky Twiss who have both been at the school for many years.
Two hundred and sixty were registered for the Saturday night dinner, where David Dixon led the powhiri and later spoke fondly of growing up in Pukekohe.
Other speakers were chairman of the Board of Trustees Beatle Brougham, Jack van der Hulst, and MC for the evening was Mike de Thierry.
Those that had not had a chance to catch up on Saturday could do so the next morning after the well-attended Church service led by Tom Phillips and Hore Epere.
By NOELINE BRANCH - Franklin County News Thursday, 12 April 2007
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