National Park school to take part in centenary

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 47, 12 May 1987, Page 6

National Park school to take part in centenary

National Park Primary School is to join with Tongariro, Ruapehu and Taumarunui secondary schools and Department of Conservation staff in presenting items relevant to the park centenary celebrations on 23 September. National Park School is the only primary school in the district to be involved in the centenary celebrations which will take the form of a dawn ceremony,- followed by various items performed by the schools and the Department of Conservation staff. School Principal Doris Porteous said she liked the idea of a performance that would involve the entire school. They have decided on a production showing the development of the earth from the beginning of time - from rocks and water to insects and birds and finally, man. Work on the art for sets and props will start next term. The Musical Advisor for the Wanganui Education Board, Russell Shaw, has offered to assist with the musical direction of the production. Mrs Porteous said .the school will be aiming to have all details finalised by the end of the second term so that the children can concentrate on the finer details after the August holidays. *** Teacher's aide Hilary Clifton was farewelled by staff and pupils at Easter. She has left for Hokitika with her husband who is on a transfer with the Department of Conservation. Mrs Clifton was involved in relief work at National Park School and was also the school's gymnastic instructor. Her

positxon has been taken over by Mrs Kath Rogers. *** A new school committee was elected at the recent annual general meeting of National Park School. Linda Bowring was reelected chairperson, secretary Cathie Ward, treasurer Robin Taituma and executive members Gabriel Moana and Aroha Rudkin. *** A feasibility study is currently under way to determine the possibility of installing a pedestrian crossing on State Highway Four adjacent to National Park township. Wanganui Road Traffic Instructor Val Gordon visited the school last week on recommendation from the school, after a near accident involving a car and a child crossing the highway recently. Miss Gordon advised those children having to cross the road to do so as a group, thus increasing visibility to oncoming traffic. - Principal Doris Porteous expressed concern that the risk will be heightened during the winter season because of increased traffic travelling the access roads to Mount Ruapehu. A recommendation will be put forward to the Ministry of Transport after the feasibility study is completed.