Doors Open on New Merger School

MEDIA RELEASE

27 August 2013

Doors Open on New Merger School

Kahurangi School will be officially opened on Friday 6 September at 1.00pm, by local MP and long-time supporter, Hon. Annette King.

Kahurangi School is the result of the merger of two local primary schools, Miramar South and Strathmore Community Schools.

“The new school opening marks the end of a long journey for our 133 children, and the beginning of a new and exciting schooling opportunity for our local area,” says parent and Board Member, Bessie Fepulea’i.

“When we began the process of bringing the two school communities together – we were very much two separate groups, now, after just over 6 months operating on the Miramar South school site, we are entering our new school site as one school whanau,”says Mrs Fepulea’i.

The opening will begin with a whole school powhiri, and up to 500 people are expected to attend.

Principal Kyran Smith says the merger is an example of how two distinct school cultures can come together and build something bigger and stronger than either was before.

“School mergers are emotional experiences for the community. The children particularly feel overwhelmed and unsure of what it all means. I am so proud of our children and our community who are now 100 percent behind Kahurangi School and what it can do for our community,” said Ms Smith.

“Even things like choosing the new name for the school have been community led – with the name Kahurangi School being gifted to the community by the local Iwi through the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust”.

The name comes from the Maori proverb "Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei" which means "Pursue that which is precious, and do not be deterred by anything less than a lofty mountain.

ENDS

Visit www.kahurangi.school.nz

© Scoop Media