Pupils ring the change as school ends

Forbury  School pupil Hamu Kereopa (10) rings the school bell for the last time, ending the...
Forbury School pupil Hamu Kereopa (10) rings the school bell for the last time, ending the school's 136 year history. He is watched by (from left) principal Janice Tofia, Harper Radcliffe (10) and Jacob Biddle (11). Photo by Jane Dawber.
As the bell tolled at 3pm, ending the day's lessons at Forbury School for the last time, there was a strange air of jubilation mixed with despair.

Junior pupils cheered with excitement that school had finished for the year and holidays had begun, while senior pupils and staff hugged each other and wiped tears from their eyes as they watched the 136-year-old school come to an end.

All 174 pupils at the school celebrated/commiserated the moment by singing, rather poignantly, "Don't forget your roots, my friend".

Education Minister Anne Tolley announced the closure of the school in July, as part of a review of South Dunedin schools.

The school will be merged with Macandrew Intermediate next year, and Forbury pupils are expected to attend the new school which is to be called Bathgate Park School.

While yesterday was the last day of school for Forbury pupils, staff would remain until the end of the week to clear out the school.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz

 

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