Early start for anniversary celebration at Mosston School

Mosston School started early for a celebration of puanga and their 140th anniversary last week. Photo / Supplied

Mosston School parent Tracey Barnard baked 180 cupcakes last week and each one was decorated with an owl.

The school is celebrating 140 years of primary education in Whanganui and they marked the anniversary with a day of festivities.

An owl is depicted on the school crest with the motto "Dare to be Wise" but wise owls became early birds for the celebration on Friday.

The day started with a Puanga (Māori New Year) celebration from 7am and children shared breakfast with family members in their classrooms.

"Some parents worked to put a hāngī down early and we are planting a kōwhai tree after lunch," said principal Michelle Watson.

"Our board of trustees and parents have done a wonderful job."

Parent and board member Matua Jayson had organised the putting down and lifting of the hāngī which was made possible with generous community donations including vegetables from Turners and Growers.

School registers from the early years of 1879 to 1905 had been brought out for the anniversary.

Many of the first pupils left school after standard 6 and went straight to work.

"We have found so many wonderful documents and photos in the archives," said Watson.

"There are photos of parents digging a hāngī pit in 1990 and some of them have grandchildren at the school now."

Mosston School now caters for children from years 1 to 6 and has a roll of around 160.