Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Kia ora, Hello, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Bula, Hola, Fakaalofa atu, As Salam Alaykom, こんにちは, Kon'nichiwa, Hallo, Hoy, Mauri, Namaste, Ola , Chum reap suor, Kumusta, Nihao, Xin chào, Vanakkam.

We had a fantastic celebration of our School’s 150th anniversary last Friday, with speeches, performances and shared kai.

I would like to share the following photos and my speech from the day.

Principal’s Opening Speech

Tena koutou katoa, tena koutou katoa.

Talofa lava, Malo lelie lei, Bula vanaka, Nee how, Kumusta, Mauri, Salaam Alaikum,

I would like to thank Maaka from Ngāi Tūāhuriri for the Mihi Whakatau. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mana Whenua for our gifted name Te Kāpehu. We are very proud of our name Te Kāpehu, which translates to the compass and name because this was a travelling and trading route and that education is about a journey and a crossroad in life. Our students know the stories and narratives of mana whenua and the story of the land we stand on. Our learners can see mana whenua reflected in school our Māori tamariki can see themselves.

It is my pleasure to welcome former students, staff, members of our board of trustees past and present and our current Te Kāpehu parents and students to our 150th celebrations today. One of our junior learners proudly told me they were 150 years old this morning.

I also welcome Representatives from the Ministry of Education including Fiona Carey, Marion Kazakos and Kaye Hyams.

A special welcome to Robin Haberfield Principal and Andrea Haberfield. Robin was Principal from 1991 - 2007 and Andrea was also a teacher here. I would also like to welcome June Hundleby who was a teacher and then Deputy Principal here from 1974-2012.

I would also like to welcome Nick Mountfort Vicar from St Peters on Church Corner home of the original school in Riccarton and the church had a huge influence on our school in the early years. If you are saying a prayer today Nick please don’t say it for our school say it for our old student Richie Mo’unga to win the World Cup!

I would like to thank Riccarton Rotary for sponsoring the costs of the 150th Celebrations.

Over the last month or so I have learned a huge amount about the history of Riccarton Primary School and today you will be hearing that history. It is fast becoming my mastermind topic.

Today however I want to talk about things that have remained surprisingly consistent in our school over the last 150 years. While the world around us has undergone tremendous changes, there are certain things that have stayed the same.

From the very first records of our school, you can see that families in the Upper Riccarton area have seen the importance of education and that learning is the key to success in life. While the definition of education may have shifted over time, the pursuit of it has remained. For 150 years Riccarton Primary or Te Kāpehu has been the place for primary school learning.

Some examples of learning that has remained the same;

The joy of reading and the magic of storytelling have remained constant. From the earliest days of the school to the present, the love for books and the power of stories have continued to captivate young minds. With the library still being a focal part of our school.

The thrill of discovery and experimentation in science classes. Whether it's observing nature, conducting experiments, or building models, the sense of wonder and curiosity that science education fosters has remained unchanged. The richness of the arts whether it be performing with songs, dance or drama education through the arts has remained consistent, bringing joy to learners.

The competitions on the sports fieldbetween Riccarton Primary and surrounding schools have taken place over the last 150 years. In the traditional sports of rugby, soccer, hockey and netball there has been keen competition between our school and neighbouring schools. More lately hard fought basketball matches.

School trips and education outside the classroom have been taking place for 150 years, from the early trips in the late 1800s to Sumner Beach to the more recent school camps, education outside the classroom has been enjoyed for 150 years.

The laughter and friendship found on school playgrounds through play have lasted generations. From traditional games like tag and hopscotch to modern adaptations, the joy of play has remained a cherished part of school life. For 150 years you have heard the sound of children playing when you go down English Street or what it was once called School road.

Values and character development have always been a priority. It's not just about academics; it's about nurturing well-rounded individuals. We have consistently recognised the importance of developing the whole person. For 150 years there have been awards for the type of person you are as well as academic achievements.

Another thing that hasn't changed is teachers and staff's vital role in our school. Relationships and Connections between teachers, support and learners have always been at the heart of education. From the days of chalkboards and textbooks to the digital age of iPads, Chromebooks and online resources, the impact of dedicated teachers and school staff has remained unchanged. Connections and relationships have been the beating heart of this school for 150 years.

Our school has always had a strong sense of community. From the widespread country community of the past, on the outskirts of Christchurch to the more diverse urban centre of today, our school has always been a gathering place where students, school staff, and whānau come together. This sense of community has continued to foster connection, support, and a shared sense of belonging. A community that is now rich in its diversity of cultures, hard-working, unpretentious and welcoming and one that I am proud to work and be part of.

As we move forward, let's celebrate these enduring aspects of education at Te Kāpehu that will continue for at least another 150 years……..

Ngā mihi nui kIa koutou katoa

Tena koutou, Tena Koutou katoa Tena koutou

Paul Irving

Tumuaki - Principal

Photos