Yesterday, the hall of Titahi Bay North School (TBNS) was filled with a rare kind of warmth and a touch of bittersweet sadness as we gathered to farewell a true community icon: Mama Tammy. It was an absolute privilege to stand alongside her beautiful whānau and witness the outpouring of love for a woman who has given so much of her heart to our school.

Sixty Years of Service

Mama Tammy’s journey with TBNS isn’t just a career; it’s a lifetime. Her connection to this community spans over 60 years, beginning when she first walked through these gates as a student. Since then, she has been a constant thread in the fabric of the Bay.

Her legacy continues through her children and grandchildren, who followed in her footsteps from TBNS through to Mana College, cementing her family’s place in our local history.

The Heart and Hands of TBNS

If you asked what Mama Tammy’s "official" role was, the answer would simply be: everything. While she served as a dedicated Teacher Aide, her impact went far beyond the classroom. Mama Tammy was the person who did whatever was needed to keep our school running and our spirits high.

• Whānau Support: A guiding hand for families in need.

• Caretaking & Cleaning: Ensuring our environment was cared for with pride.

• Organising: The invisible engine behind many storerooms.

Whether she was holding a broom or a student’s hand, she did it with a quiet strength and a smile that made everyone feel at home.

A Beautiful Farewell

The farewell ceremony was a testament to the lives she has touched. Each classroom took the time to honour her in their own way, presenting speeches, heartfelt gifts, and powerful waiata. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as the voices of the tamariki rose to thank a woman who has been a grandmother figure to so many.

The respect for Mama Tammy extends well beyond the current school gates. Special tributes were sent in from previous principals Colin Tarr and Grant Henderson, both of whom shared stories of her unwavering dedication and the "above and beyond" attitude that defined her tenure.

"Mama Tammy didn't just work at Titahi Bay North School; she helped build the spirit of it."

Thank You, Mama Tammy

To Mama Tammy and her family: thank you for sharing your lives with our community for six decades. You have taught us that service isn't just about what you do, but the love you put into doing it. While the school might feel a little quieter without you, your legacy is written in the hearts of every student who passed through these doors.

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei. (Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.)