Jubilee celebration a milestone for St Mary’s School

The stampede of small feet can be heard across the playground amid squeals of joy and the rhythmic pat, pat, pat of a ball hitting the tarmac.

It is morning break time at St Mary’s School in Blenheim and children of all ages are enjoying the autumn sunshine.

Former pupil Greg Stretch is greeted by a high five from his great-nephew. A memory of his younger self in the same playground decades before darts just out of reach.

As the 145-pupil school gets to celebrate its 150^thjubilee next month, there is plenty for pupils past and present to look forward to.

For Greg, who is helping organise the milestone anniversary, it is a time to reflect on the positive influence the school has had on his life.

“It’s a big milestone for the school and the school community here in Marlborough.

‘There has been a huge amount of people [from here] who have gone on to do big things, it’s a great testament to the school that it has been here that long.

“When I look back at when I first started at 5 years old, I made some friends for life, not just pupils but also some of the teachers too who have also become friends.

“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with people who are away. The school is a big part of my whole family and also the wider community too.”

From the very beginning, the school and its students has thrived, says principal Paddy Dowling.

“People are very passionate about the school. I love the culture here, the sense of history. People don’t just join a class; they join the whole school; a family.

“We will be celebrating our rich history and 150 years of Catholic education in Blenheim.

“I’m looking forward to bringing everyone together, making those connections with our past and hearing the stories and tales of what’s happened in the past.”

As principal for the past seven years, Paddy says the school is very inclusive and welcomes students from all religions.

It was 1865 and Father Sauzeau opened a building as to serve as both church and school with Mr Frank O’Sullivan as schoolmaster.

By 1871 the parish was raising money to build a school. A ‘great bazaar’ was held and £32 was raised. With another £100 from Fr Sauzeau the school was built.

It has since gone from strength to strength and now has 10 classrooms and pupils from 26 different nationalities.

The current youngest pupil, Addison Swanson, started at the school just four weeks ago.

“Proudly wearing the new-look uniform, the five-year-old says she has made “lots of friends.”

Her favourite part of school so far is the climbing bars which she has learnt to climb all by herself.

The school’s oldest pupil, Casey Twidle says she has loved her time at St Mary’s School and is looking forward to taking part in the celebrations.

Deputy principal Tracy McCone says the jubilee is a great opportunity to commemorate the school and its wider community.

“We’re celebrating where we’ve come from and our future. It’s about where we are going.”

Celebrations to mark the jubilee begin with a multicultural festival on Friday June 30, guided classroom walkthrough on Saturday 1 July and a special jubilee dinner followed by mass on Sunday 2 July.

The Lenora Freeth Outdoor Learning space and the Freeth Whānau Room will also be officially opened by John Lundon on 2 July.

To find out more and to book tickets to the Jubilee dinner visit  www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/st-marys-school-blenheim-150th-jubilee-tickets-414329359267