A pear orchard. That’s what stood here before Henderson South School. Imagine the quiet scent of blossoms the gentle sway of branches. Then in 1965 the Ministry of Education purchased this land. A new school was planned for this quiet spot. Henderson South School opened its doors in 1967. 156 pupils and six teachers began their journey. Mr Robinson was the first principal. A school committee and Parent Teacher Association were formed.
The school grew. By 1974 it had seven classrooms. A swimming pool opened in 1972. Parents ran the school lunchroom. They worked on a roster system. This shows the strong community spirit. A unit for physically disabled students opened in 1974. It housed nine students a teacher and a nurse. The school offered a Maori culture class for students and parents.
Fundraising was crucial. It built a strong community network. In 1976 a ball wall was erected thanks to community fundraising. Safety care and support were always present. The school hall opened in 1998. This became a place for school functions and community celebrations.
Many principals led Henderson South School. Arthur Baker followed Mr Robinson. Doug Brownlees served from 1972 to 1984. John Hope was principal from 1985 to 1988. Dawn Burling led the school from 1989 to 1999. Her parting words were “We are a blend of New Zealanders who are the future. If the children of Henderson South contribute values of achievement cooperation community and individual motivation then the school is achieving its purpose.”
Mary Zellman was acting principal until Cliff Hughes took over from 2000 to 2008. School uniforms and summer hats became compulsory. Jacqui Tutavake was acting principal before Trevor Diamond became principal in 2009.
The efforts of principals teachers students and families created a huge community spirit. This spirit is what makes Henderson South School special. It’s a great place for education. A place where differences are appreciated and accepted. A place that began as a pear orchard. A place that continues to blossom.