School’s 150th jubilee a weekend to remember

The oldest, the youngest and everyone in between joined in the St Albans School 150th jubilee celebrations.

From five-years-old to 96, past, present and future pupils came together to reminisce about the school’s long history of learning.

“It was a fantastic weekend of reconnection and celebration,” said organiser and digital technology teacher Sam Pelham.

“Nearly 400 people attended the Friday morning pōwhiri, and the same amount stayed for the entire first day.”

Last Friday saw the big crowd catching up over morning tea, school tours, performances, tree planting, a memorial plaque unveiling and a time capsule planting.

“Every student put an item that relates to 2023 into the capsule, from games, toys, photos to pounamu and trinkets,” said Pelham.

“A lot of the students have been a big part of the process of the jubilee, helping in various ways, as well as the staff, teachers, boards, and parents at St Albans,” said Pelham.

A memories morning was held last Saturday, where schoolmates, teachers and associates caught up over a catered morning tea and cake.

“The jubilee cake was cut by Ida Clancy, our oldest ex-student at 96, and our youngest student, Frankie Woods, who is five,” said Pelham.

“The best part of the jubilee was seeing the older and younger generations get together, from all walks of life, with the same common theme – the school.”

A school gala day with food trucks, a community picnic and musical performances from students and staff was held on Sunday.

“The jubilee weekend has been a year in the making, and it turned out to be a real highlight,” said Pelham.

“The school is a place for connection and the essence of people has stayed the same for the last 150 years.”

Michael Williams, the longest-standing teacher of the school with 30 years of service, MC’ed the ceremony, with many students and ex-students speaking, performing and sharing.

“The school has changed over the last 150 years, but the high-quality teaching has remained a focus,” said Pelham.

“Many families have gone right through the school from grandparents, to parents, to children – it was amazing to see old and new faces pitch in.”

With the celebrations over, the current students will continue to learn about the school’s 150 years of operations, as well as packaging and archiving bits and pieces for the next jubilee.

A 150th jubilee magazine is available for $25, and can be purchased from the school office. For more information, email jubilee@stalbans.school.nz

By Sasha Watson