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Celebrations in Tairua as long awaited new classrooms open


Celebrations in Tairua as long awaited new classrooms unveiled

The Tairua community came together today (Friday) to officially open and bless the school’s long-awaited new flexible learning space.

Containing three classrooms, a communal foyer, an extensive outdoor deck and new toilets, the build is the result of four years of intensive negotiations and design. Construction finally got underway towards the end of 2017 and was finished days into the the start new school year. The school’s two senior classes have already moved into their new environment which maximises the site’s natural light and the stunning harbour views.

“It’s been such a long road to get here, but the reaction of those kids when they went in there last Monday made it all worth it,” said principal Brendan Finn.

“The amount of space is just incredible, it offers so many brilliant options for teaching, learning and just coming together. We are so impressed with what the builder has done here. The team worked incredibly hard over the summer, putting in long hours to ensure this project was ready to go and I’d like to offer them my sincerest thanks.”

Waihi based company, Baker Construction was the lead contractor for the $1.0 million build, funded by the Ministry of Education from their roll growth budget. Tairua School’s roll has doubled over the past 8 years and, in recent years, spaces including the library and multi purpose room were used as classrooms. Work on a revamped library/technology hub and the re-design of the multi-purpose room as a dance and performance studio is already underway and is generating huge excitement among the school’s 155 students, according to Mr Finn.

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Speaking ahead of today’s official opening, Chairperson of the Tairua School Board of Trustees, Sue Brannigan thanked principal Finn, the staff and the community for their patience over the past few years.

“It hasn’t been easy. We are fortunate to have a staff of very supportive people who have been tolerant and flexible while the board battled to get this facility delivered for our students. I’d also like to thank our wider school community for sticking with us and continuing to trust in us. What a reward we all have now in this absolutely beautiful building that all our kids will get to enjoy.

The new learning space was officially opened by the school’s longest serving Board member and former chair Maria Cory-Wright and blessed by Bishop Bruce Gilberd.

ENDS

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