Page 10 - 1983 Clippings

Ngaruawahia High’s

Successes a tradition

Huntly Press, October 19, 1983

The school’s 21st opened in September 1981, by
Anniversary is a milestone, Sir Douglas Carter.
says principal of “When I first came to the
Ngaruawahia High School, school, I was a librarian, and
Mr N. J. Murphy. I wanted to see a good library.
“I feel the school has We were just using a
matured to a situation where it classroom (B9) when I
really needs tradition, and it arrived,” he says.
has that tradition from its The new library houses
successes in many fields.” 8,000 books, but is not just for
Mr Murphy started at the reading and browsing.
school in 1967, as head of Meetings and seminars are
English. Two years later he became deputy occasionally held there also.
principal, and has been principal since May Surrounding the library entrance are
1975. carved “tukutuku” panels, representing the
“I’ve enjoyed my time here. That’s striving for higher achievement, and the
why I’ve stayed.” coming together of the Maori and Pakeha
He finds the pupils friendly and in education.
relaxed, and is pleased with their Mr Murphy is looking forward to this
involvement in many activities, week’s celebrations, and is grateful to the
particularly Maori culture. The school Ex-Student’s Association for their
enjoys an association with Turangawaewae organisation of the event.
Marae, and Maori language and culture “Hopefully the Association will
studies were introduced to the school continue afterwards. Possibly the Board of
curriculum in 1975. Governors will be inviting the ex-students
Mr Murphy says that over the years to propose a representative for the Board of
the school has distinguished itself in both Governors, which is the controlling
the sporting and academic fields. authority of the school. This would thereby
The school roll stands now at 620 establish a tradition for the school.”
pupils. Mr Murphy will be speaking at the
He considers one of the school’s main official welcome on Saturday.
achievements is the new library, officially