Better late than never.
Otago Girls’ High School was supposed to hold its official 150th jubilee celebrations this weekend (February 6-8), but it had to be postponed until Labour Weekend (October 22-24) after organisation was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
Organisers said the decision was made primarily due to the uncertainty of the Covid situation and the impact it was having on registrations last year.
They said there were some people in Australia who had registered, but looked unlikely to be able to attend the celebrations in February due to border restrictions.
The school was opened on February 6, 1871, after a long campaign by Learmonth Whyte Dalrymple, and is believed to be the oldest girls state-run secondary school in the southern hemisphere.
To make up for the postponement, staff and pupils marked the official milestone by unveiling a pare, carved by master carver James York, and holding a special assembly where the history of the school and reminiscences of a first-day pupil were shared.
Then there was a garden party on school grounds yesterday afternoon, where staff and pupils dressed in old uniforms and late 1800s fashions, to play old-fashioned games and eat cupcakes.
"Today marks the start of our celebrations for our 150th anniversary," principal Linda Miller said.
Pupil Renata Herrera Rojas said it was a great time to be at the school.
"In a way, it’s kind of weird because you never think you’re going to be part of historical events in the life-time of the school.
"It’s a really amazing privilege to be able to be here and celebrate and look back, and also look forward to all these new things that are going to happen."
She said she was looking forward to meeting some of the school’s former pupils and staff at the official celebration later this year.
"It’s a special thing to be able to see the people who were in the same place I am, and to be able to see the different places that they’ve gone in their lives. It’s pretty exciting."
The official celebrations at Labour Weekend include an official opening at the Regent Theatre, photo sessions, a sculpture unveiling, school tours, a gathering for ex and present staff, a formal dinner in the Dunedin Town Hall and a train trip.
