“Strive” is not just a word. It is the motto of Cockle Bay School. The school has a rich history in the Auckland suburb of Cockle Bay.
Cockle Bay School first opened on September 3 1956. It began as a full primary school. There were 217 students at the start. Almost all transferred from Howick District High School. This is now Howick Intermediate School. All bus children from the Whitford area joined too.
Initially, the school wasn’t fully ready. The grounds were muddy. Classes started in prefabs at Howick District High School. The headmaster, W E Tonks, used the old dental clinic as his office.
Over the years, Cockle Bay School grew steadily. In 1965, Forms 1 and 2 moved to Howick Intermediate School. The school roll peaked at 796 in 1976. This led to the establishment of Shelly Park Primary School in 1979.
At its largest, Cockle Bay School had 12 permanent classrooms and 11 prefabs. Three prefabs were on-site. Room 4 was donated by the Auckland Education Board in 1980. The School Committee and PTA made it a resource room. Volunteers built the infant library. The School Committee and PTA funded it. This provided library facilities for younger students and eased crowding.
The swimming pool opened in 1964. It cost about $4000. Hundreds of volunteer hours made it possible. A surplus from this project started the Hall Fund. In 1969, the hall opened. Hon George Gair officially opened it. It cost $22000.
Parents have always strongly supported Cockle Bay School. Annual galas and donations provided playground amenities and outside facilities. Working bees helped over the years.
Several staff members served the school for many years. Mrs S Austin was the School Secretary from 1966 to 1989.
Currently, Cockle Bay School is expanding. New rooms are being added. The hall is getting bigger. A new music room is being built. Many early classrooms are being rebuilt.
Since its beginning, Cockle Bay School has had only seven principals. They are W E Tonks, H. J. Bates, K. W. Peterson, N. P. Beach, S.N. Baty, G.R. Lomas and D. Bigwood. Dorothy Bigwood is the current principal. She assumed the position in 2016.
The school engages in environmental activities. These include recycling and worm farming.
Did you know that Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister designate of New Zealand, attended Cockle Bay School?
Today, Cockle Bay School continues to thrive. It provides quality education. It fosters a strong community spirit. It is located on Sandspit Road in Howick. The school’s phone number is 09-5348333. The website is www.cocklebay.school.nz. Cockle Bay School remains a pillar of the community.