Tahatai Coast School release baloons. Photo / Andrea Mahy Photography
Tahatai Coast School release baloons. Photo / Andrea Mahy Photography
Tahatai Coast School yesterday paid their respects to former deputy principal Jenny Griggs with a balloon release in her honour.
Jenny Griggs, 66, passed away while on the family's last holiday together in Cairns, Australia at 7am Monday (NZT) after a short battle with cancer.
She retired seven months ago after 47 years of teaching, 17 of those at the Papamoa school.
Tahatai Coast School's former deputy principal Jenny Griggs died after a brief battle with cancer. Photo / Andrea Mahy Photography
By yesterday afternoon 89 people had commented on and 165 people had liked a Facebook post on the Tahatai Coast School page in tribute of the popular teacher.
Tahatai Coast School principal Ian Leckie said staff, students and parents at the school were shocked and devastated to learn of her death.
The school decided to hold the balloon release yesterday to pay their respects and recognise her long-term contribution, he said.
More than 1,000 people turned out to honour her memory with hundreds of past pupils, staff and community members attending the send-off as well as the current school community.
"It was ... a solemn and sombre occasion but a celebration of Jenny," Mr Leckie said.
"We were really surprised with the number of ex-pupils that came back. She was hugely respected by young people because she cared about them and took interest in them, even after they left the school."
Mr Leckie described Mrs Griggs as compassionate, caring and professional.
Mrs Griggs retired at the end of last year to spend more time volunteering and with family but still popped into the school and kept herself busy, he said.
"She's only been retired for six months. That's part of the tragedy ... She was doing work with the University of Waikato and volunteering at Waipuna Hospice."
Mrs Griggs held many roles at the school and was acting principal for two years. "She got to know the principals around the town and many of them have expressed their condolences," Mr Leckie said.
Tahatai Coast School release baloons. Photo / Andrea Mahy Photography
Daughter Rebecca Griggs said the family was overwhelmed by the love and support shown. "We knew that Mum was a pretty special person and a pretty special teacher but this really reinforces it." She described her mum as a "special lady" who was bright, full of love, bigger than life, caring, compassionate, determined, very loving and a fantastic wife.
Mrs Griggs graduated from Teachers College in Christchurch in 1967 and taught in Nelson before moving to Mount Maunganui in 1972.
She taught at Mount Maunganui Primary, Mount Maunganui Intermediate and Tauranga South School before moving to Tahatai Coast in 1996 as assistant principal.
She is survived by her husband Lyle, children Rebecca, Jenny and Dale and grandchildren Kaela, Kane, Grace and Jordan.
