Fairfield School names library after deputy principal Donna Rowe

Donna Rowe (middle) with Yvonne Nicholson and Alasdair Maclean. Photo / Grace Odlum

With the departure of their deputy principal, Donna Rowe, looming, Fairfield School’s principal Alasdair Maclean wanted to honour her legacy.

The answer, to quote Hermione Granger of the Harry Potter series of books, was in the library.

The school’s new library has been named the Rowe Library as a way to acknowledge her passion and impact on the school.

Maclean said the school didn’t have a library for the past five years, after it was shut down when more than 400 houses were built next door to the school, causing an influx of students. The library was then used as a classroom to accommodate the extra students.

The library was able to be re-established recently, after the Ministry of Education reduced the school’s zone.

Getting the library back for the school had been something Rowe was passionate about, said Maclean.

He said Rowe had a long and enduring relationship with the school, first working there in 1978 for a year. She then returned in 1992 and has been deputy principal for the past 21 years.

She has also been acting principal for around three years over different periods.

Donna Rowe outside the new library. Photo / Grace Odlum

“Donna is a lady of many talents, from her exemplary teaching skills to her leading of school productions, teaching art, singing, the list goes on,” said Maclean.

He said many of her past students, who now have children at the school, fondly remember Rowe and the songs she taught them as 5-year-olds.

Maclean said Rowe has an exceptional ability in communication skills with her natural flair and way with words, and her leadership style has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

“She is our ‘Wonder Woman’ whose strength and speed we admire - before the school day even begins, Donna will have been out jogging at 5am.

“We will miss Donna’s quick-witted humour and the twinkle in her eye as she can find the humour on many occasions.

“Our staff have commented that there will be ‘big boots to fill’ when Donna leaves. It will be a significant loss to our Fairfield whānau when Donna leaves as she has been the steadfast rock of our kura for 33 years.”