FAREWELL: Shona Davidson will always have fond memories of her time at Kapiti College.
Kapiti College office administrator Shona Davidson is retiring after 38 years service.
Shona, from Paraparaumu, said she didn't want to leave but "I know it's my time to retire".
"The college is part of me."
She started at the college after successfully applying for a part time office assistant role at the college.
"They needed someone to help behind the scenes," she recalled.
Some of the office work included typing up all the exams.
The office role progressed over the years to include more hours, more front of house and the use of more modern equipment especially computers.
Shona has enjoyed helping students which she said was "a huge thing" as well as working with really great staff and making a lot of friends.
Aside from office life, Shona has been involved in the sporting side of the college especially organising and coaching netball alongside Helen Walker for over 20 years.
Coaching the girls A netball team to success in tournaments in Wellington, Horowhenua and Kapiti was fondly remembered.
"We cleaned up."
And going on four sports trips, rugby/netball to Australia, organised by Reg Goston, were wonderful experiences.
"One time when the girls were training on courts in Sydney, a player came and asked if they would give her and her team a game.
"She was the captain of the Australian team.
"They whipped us but we did get some goals and intercepted a few passes and thoroughly enjoyed the memorable experience."
Shona was at the college when Christian Cullen, who would go on to be a legendary All Black, attended.
"He just stood out.
"He played rugby with a great guy, Darryl Cherry who later died of a heart thing that they never knew he had.
"Darryl was equal with Christian in terms of ability and the two of them were amazing on the field."
Each year, for 21 years, Shona accompanied seventh formers and other staff on the gruelling 19.4km Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
"I vividly remember the year when student Paula Tesoriero, who only has one leg, did the whole crossing, and teacher Gary Jones carried her spare leg sticking up out of his backpack."
She also recalls a young Peter Jackson who would go on to become a famous film director.
"He was part of a small group who used to go to the AV block every day and do film things."
Her retirement plans include exercise including cycling as well as gardening and joining some local groups.
Principal Tony Kane said Shona had been "an unflappable, motherly presence for two generations of Kapiti College students".
"She knows the kids, their mothers and their grandmothers.
"She quietly makes sure that kids who have no books or lack clothing get what they need.
"She mends shirts and sews on buttons.
"Shona is a living treasure in the school and her knowledge of the place and relationships with everyone in it will be hard to replace."
Shona is having a farewell function in the college hall from 5pm on Thursday Feb 16 before officially retiring the next day. Contact Marionne on 902 5121 if you are interested in attending Shona's farewell.
