Lost in time, Clevedon School stands as a testament to community and enduring values. Founded in 1859, Clevedon School started as Wairoa School. It was closely tied to the Clevedon Presbyterian Church. Settlers in Wairoa South recognized the need for education. Mr. Melrose became the first teacher.
But tragedy struck. School records from 1864 to 1872 vanished in a fire. In 1873, the Education Board assumed control. A school district formed and the first school committee was elected. The school then relocated to Wairoa Public Hall in 1874. Miss Rumball became the first female teacher in 1873.
The 1877 Education Act shaped education. It declared it free, secular and compulsory. In 1878, Clevedon School acquired its current property. A new one-room school was built.
In 1895, Wairoa School became Clevedon School. Local residents from Clevedon in England influenced the name change. Transportation challenges led to other schools in the Wairoa district. These included Ness Valley School, Kawakawa Bay School, and Wairoa South No. 2 School. Mataitai School and Clevedon North School also existed. As transport improved, these smaller schools consolidated with Clevedon School.
The school site expanded in 1922. In 1930, the classroom was extended and divided into two rooms. It was reoriented for better light. In 1931, a request to establish a High School in Clevedon failed. But in 1945, the school committee supported a High School in Papakura. This effort succeeded. Many Clevedon School students then attended Papakura High School.
In 1926, the school joined others to form a dental clinic in Papakura. By 1940, a dental clinic opened on-site for Clevedon and Orere pupils. Another land purchase extended the school grounds in 1946. An infant block opened in 1949. It features the orange tiled roof. The North Road school building moved to Clevedon School after 1952. It served as a classroom, library and film projection room. The swimming pool opened in 1953. It honored World War II fallen soldiers.
Clevedon School celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1959. The school had 224 pupils and six staff members. Tables and chairs replaced old desks. A film projector became a teaching aid. Form 1 and 2 children attended Manual Training classes. Children traveled by bus or bicycle. Pony rides and long walks became memories. Many students were descendants of original settlers.
Urbanization and land use changes marked the later years. The school block near the old dental clinic was built in 1966. It accommodated younger pupils. The old North Road School House moved to Camp Sladdin. A concrete block library extension followed in 1975. Temporary prefabs were added. Some remain in use today.
Clevedon School hosted inter-school athletic events. The motto “Enter to learn go forth to serve” was coined in 1950. A horseshoe logo appeared in 1987. The current logo, created in 2000, integrates the Wairoa River. Pohutukawa and oak leaves symbolize heritage and ties to the tangata whenua.
The four school houses were chosen in 1970: Tu, Kiwi, Weka and Pukeko. (Kaka replaced Pukeko by 1971.) Agriculture Days became a tradition. Children cared for animals for the school Ag Day. Memorable musical productions began with “Maui” in 1981.
New teaching buildings arrived in 1996, 2002 and 2004. The school Hall opened in 1999. The stage extension and deck area were added in 2009. The senior adventure playground was installed in 2005. The new library, resource room and multipurpose room block was completed in 2006. The 150th anniversary was celebrated in 2009. There was a reunion and commemorative book.
In 2012, senior and middle school classrooms were upgraded. E-learning capabilities were enhanced. Today, Clevedon School continues to evolve. It focuses on teaching quality, modern learning and diverse programs. The school values Kia Kaha, Kia Atawhai and Kia Whakapono. These underpin everything they do. Clevedon School shapes 21st-century lifelong learners.