Grateful ex-pupil quick to donate

Marie Bismark said she learned a lot of important lessons during her time at Rotorua Girls' High School. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua Girls' High School has received one of its first donations for its alumni fund from a former student.

Dr Marie Bismark, public health physician and health lawyer who leads the Law and Public Health Group at the University of Melbourne, attended the school from 1987 to 1991 and was dux in her final year.

Mrs Bismark decided to donate to the alumni fund because she wanted to give something back to the school to say thank you.

"I've been so blessed in life with a wonderful family, a great education, a strong community, and the opportunity to do a job that I love. I wanted to give something back to Girls' High to say thank you, and to support other girls coming through the school.

"The alumni fund seemed like a great way to do that, as I know that the money will be used wisely and well."

Mrs Bismark has worked as a doctor in a number of New Zealand hospitals, served as a legal adviser to the Health and Disability Commissioner, and been a senior associate with law firm Buddle Findlay.

She also serves as a non-executive director on the boards of a number of health sector companies.

She said she learned a lot of important lessons during her time at Rotorua Girls' High School.

"It's been more than 20 years since I left the school and I still remember all the times that a teacher went out of their way to help and support me, whether it was Mrs West offering additional scholarship tutorials in the evenings, Mr Foughy treating the French class to croissants on a Friday morning, or the wonderful Mrs Burbidge inspiring all of us to be the best young women we could be.

"Even though I live in Melbourne now, I still come home to Rotorua with my children every year and love catching up with my family and school friends."

Mrs Bismark's parents, Dr Margriet Theron and Dr Louw van Wyk, still live in Rotorua.