Alexandra’s The Terrace School (TTS) blessed five new classrooms in a special ceremony yesterday (May 2). 

Rangitahi (youngsters), tamariki (children), TTS kaiako (teachers) and kaimahi (staff), whānau (family), kaumātua (elders), representatives from TTS board of trustees, TTS parent teacher association and the Ministry of Education (MoE) attended at 8am, in a chilly 3 degrees Celsius.

A karakia (blessing), waiata (songs), ribbon cutting ceremony occurred, followed by procession through the new spaces to touch the walls and bless them prior to the pupils moving in.

TTS year eight pupil Meesha Jones cuts the ribbon with the help of principal Sarah Graham.

TTS principal Sarah Graham said the new rooms were warm, modern and bright and everyone was very excited to get into their new learning environment.

“The Ministry [of Education] making improvements in schools here, it’s great for the kids and our community… it really lifts everyone.”

TTS year seven and eight teacher Hannah Alabaster said that for her and many other teachers, it was the first time in their teaching careers to have a new classroom.

“We’re grateful to have the opportunity to learn and teach in a modern, warm and insulated building. We know how much work it has taken to get to this point.”

Hannah had used the plans for the new blocks as an opportunity for learning with her class, who had enjoyed watching the demolition, build and construction process.

Board of trustees chairperson Jayden Cromb thanked Nelson based Fitzgerald Construction, the MoE, TTS trustee responsible for property Ashleigh Anderson and local kaumātua Tim Riwhi, Louise McKenzie and Francie Diver for their help on the project and the opening occasion.

Pictured at the ceremony (from left) are kaumātua Louise McKenzie, Tim Riwhi, Francie Diver, Sarah Graham and Jayden Cromb. 

Louise spoke to the crowd and explained the blessing process would make the whare safe, happy and warm.

“You will relax, enjoy and open up your minds to learning all sorts of clever things to be as smart as us… these assets will be enjoyed by tamariki, whānau and the community. Alexandra is looking affluent.”

The new classrooms will be used for classes from next Friday.

The ākonga (learners) in years five to eight will be moving in after seniors return from Deep Cove camp. The new classrooms are in two blocks, they are numbered rooms 10 - 14 and located alongside the field and scooter track. 

Watch highlights from the ceremony here (1 min 20sec). VIDEO: The Central App 

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