Rotorua Specialist School – Te Kura Pūkenga o Rotorua current presiding member, Terena Wara, speaks at the school's 60th diamond jubilee celebrations.
Rotorua Specialist School – Te Kura Pūkenga o Rotorua current presiding member, Terena Wara, speaks at the school's 60th diamond jubilee celebrations.
A very special Rotorua school recently celebrated a big anniversary.
Rotorua Specialist School – Te Kura Pūkenga o Rotorua celebrated its 60th diamond jubilee on November 22 attended by more than 150 guests, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history.
In a statement, the school said it was a day to “honour its rich past, celebrate its achievements in the present, and set a vision for the future” and underscored the vital role of specialist education in society.
The celebrations included a reflection on the school’s origins - the Honourable H R Lapwood officially opened the school on November 20, 1964, during a pioneering time for education in the Rotorua and Taupō lakes region.
Rotorua Specialist School – Te Kura Pūkenga o Rotorua 60th diamond jubilee celebrations on November 22.
Originally known as Kea St Special School, it was established as the leading provider of education for students with learning support needs in the area.
A tribute was paid to Dorothy Cotton, the school’s first principal and the first qualified teacher to lead the school.
Her vision and dedication laid the groundwork for a legacy of excellence, carried forward by subsequent principals Jim McTamney, Peter West, Russell Hallam, Sherie Collins, and the current principal, Lorraine Northey, the school’s statement said.
Northey thanked all past and present staff, parents and whānau and recognised the contributions of past and present Boards of Trustees.
Current Rotorua Specialist School – Te Kura Pūkenga o Rotorua principal, Lorraine Northey with a former principal, Russell Hallam.
Special acknowledgment was given to the current presiding member, Terena Wara, and the board for their unwavering support.
Their efforts this year included part-funding the refurbishment of their activity centre, and purchasing three new vans and uniforms for the the kapa haka group.
Northey shared highlights from the year, including hosting the Specialist Schools Kapa Haka Festival, implementing the Better Start Literacy Approach, improving the school’s communication profile, and participating in the Creative in Schools project.
The latter provided senior students the opportunity to explore silver and ceramic jewellery-making with Rotorua artist Jayne Baume.
Rotorua Specialist School – Te Kura Pukenga o Rotorua 60th diamond jubilee celebrations on November 22.
The celebration began with a mihi whakatau (welcome), followed by a powerful kapa haka performance by the students. The students later delighted the audience with dance items that represented each of the past six decades, showcasing both their talents and the school’s vibrant spirit.
A 60th Diamond Jubilee cake was cut to commemorate the occasion, followed by a hākari and an exhibition of students’ artwork. Guests also walked down memory lane, exploring a photo display along the office corridor that captured special moments from the school’s history.
The day concluded with official photos of past and present staff and board members.
