Kaumatua Michael Skerrett, of Waihopai runanga, accompanied
by representatives of seven Southern runanga, blessed the
school and unveiled the pounamu mana stone, on display in
the school foyer.
The beginning of a "truly Remarkable story" was
celebrated when Remarkables Primary School was officially
opened to the community on Friday.
The $17.3 million school, to cater for 460 year 1 to year 8
children by 2012, was described as the most technologically
advanced school in New Zealand and the first state primary to
open in the lower South Island since the 1970s.
Education Minister Anne Tolley unveiled the school plaque at
the culmination of a public ceremony in the school hall,
which was packed by more than 200 pupils, parents,
grandparents, trustees, supporters and developers.
All pupils sing their Remarkables Kids song for the first
time in public as the ceremony's finale.
Ms Tolley said she had followed the progress of
Remarkables Primary School with interest since it began.
She acknowledged the community had waited a long time for the
facility, since the Ministry of Education bought the land in
Frankton in 1958.
Designers Babbage Consultants, construction company Naylor
Love, landscape architects Baxter Design Group and
sub-contractors were praised by all speakers for successfully
blending 21st-century education practices and technology with
the scenic environment.
The minister said she was delighted preschool children would
experience an easy transition to Remarkables Primary School,
with the early childhood centre on site.
She was pleased literacy and mathematics were among the
"seven aspirational baskets of learning".
Sir Eion Edgar, founding chairman of Queenstown Resort
College and former chancellor of the University of Otago,
congratulated all involved for "a job extremely well done".
Sir Eion said pupils could learn from British wartime prime
minister Winston Churchill's example and "stick to your
beliefs".
The businessman and philanthropist urged children to enjoy
themselves, have a go at everything and thank their parents
and staff.
Youngsters should also clean their teeth because "a smile and
fresh breath will get you a long way".
Establishment board of trustees chairman Roy Thompson
recalled the steps that had been taken - from the board being
handed vacant land, a budget and no manual in early 2008, to
the facility now available.
Principal Debbie Dickson said the opening celebrated
achievements so far and the coming together of a community of
learners.
"A new chapter is just about to begin," Mrs Dickson said.
The ceremony was distinguished by a whaikorero, waiata,
karakia and hongi between Ngai Tahu representatives and
special guests.
Deputy prime minister and Clutha-Southland MP Bill English
and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes were among the
guests, but did not make speeches.
Pupils delighted the audience with their kapa haka and
performances of the song Ekea to tapuhipuhi, the legend of
Rakaihautu, and the Remarkables Kids song.
The opening day began with a morning whakawatea conducted by
Ngai Tahu kaumatua Michael Skerrett, of Waihopai runanga,
accompanied by representatives of seven Southern runanga,
pupils and teachers.
The party entered the foyer where pupil Connor McIsaac, of
Kelvin Heights, whose fifth birthday it was, unveiled a
donated precious pounamu mana stone.
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