School focal point of our community | Rural

TURAKINA SCHOOL: State Highway Three
Staff: 3
Pupils: 38
Decile: 4
Principal; Delwyn Brogden

Mission Statement:
To promote lifelong individual success in a safe, caring, rural whanau environment.

A magnificent old oak tree stands like a sentinel at the entrance to Turakina School, marking the historical ambience of this small school.

The history of this long-serving school was described in the Turakina School Jubilee booklet (1852-1984) as the story of a typical village school in a typical village community.

"It is the story of ordinary people working honestly and faithfully for their school without thought of reward or recognition, and it is this, that is the wonderful and inspiring thing about the century in the history of any school."

Turakina is the second oldest school in New Zealand.

Nothing has changed, for it is still a school much loved and cared for by the community.

The kids here are comfortable, they know each other, they know each other's families and they know from day one that they are part of the school family.

Most students are often neighbours or cousins.

One small new boy was totally immersed and loving his first day at school last week.

Far from being a shy, timid five-year-old at the big school, he was sitting up, very straight, was keen and talkative in his new class and ready for anything.

No new-boy qualms at all.

It was as though he'd been waiting for this special day so that he could finally join all the other kids from the district at last and be part of the school kids crowd.

Even his teacher (hiding a grin) explained that stripping off his school uniform T-shirt down to his vest was probably not a great idea, even though it probably felt comfy.

"You need to wear your school uniform, and it looks very, very nice on you," she told him.'

Nearly half [48 per cent] of the Turakina School roll are Maori children from Ratana.

Principal Delwyn Brogden said it was a gift having the children from Ratana at the school.

"They're lovely children; it is a great pleasure having them here. We're very lucky."

The small classes at Turakina mean the children are all involved, all keen and all learning well.

These classes are like teams, with every child an integral part of the action.

One class had been given the responsibility of the school vege gardens in raised plots at the rear of the school.

After the long Christmas break, the gardens were looking the worst for wear ... rather sad, flat and weedy.

But these children huddled up, inspected the weedy plots and immediately planned their planting strategy ... it wasn't hard to see that these gardens would be under control and sprouting forth within a very short space of time.

The huge school field even has a look and sense of village community.

Old cottages border the field at one end with chooks in the yard, an old cat curled under a tree and a dog sits and stares.

Along the back a field runs up into a hill where cattle linger and graze, so even though there's a main state highway just metres away with cars, trucks and buses roaring through, the traffic noise is just background ... like it's not really there.

However, being on the main road works at times for this little school because often there are runners/ walkers/ bikers/ politicians/ well known sports people out on campaigns usually for a major charity, and they drop into Turakina School for a quick chat with the kids.

Mrs Brogden said the kids loved visitors popping in to see them .

"It makes them feel special; they really enjoy meeting new people."

Last year as well as the annual Pet Day, the school had a remarkable Wearable Arts Fashion.

Senior students had designed and made elaborate costumes and paraded them on an outdoor catwalk.

Mrs Brogden said Pet Day was always well supported like everything the school does.

"So for just a small country school we do really well."

There is healthy competition among the students, she said.

"Much of this is because every child is encouraged by the staff and in turn they all encourage each other as well ... it's very positive."

Because they are small and rural doesn't mean these children from year 1 to Year 8 miss out on any activities.

All sports including tennis and swimming are big from school camps and trips [which are regular events] along with all music and creative endeavours.

Mrs Brogden said encouraging the children to try anything and everything was an important part of Turakina School's culture.

"We encourage success here for all our children."

Kia kaha (be strong), says a written reminder on walls around the school together with Kia Manawanui (stand up for yourself).