It’s a case of out with the old and in with the new for the Terrace School (TTS) in Alexandra, as worn out rooms are to be replaced with five new classrooms and toilets soon.

Tumuaki (principal) Sarah Graham said the school was thrilled to announce at the end of 2024 that demolition and replacement of the five teaching spaces at the west end of the school was to begin in the holidays.

“The old classrooms are thought to have been on The Terrace School site for more than 25 years and were at the end of their lives.”

The replacement classrooms are currently being built offsite and the construction team is working on foundations and services. 

“We are looking forward to moving into the new rooms hopefully, all going well, at the end of the term… It's great to see the work progressing on both Alexandra Primary and The Terrace School, providing warm, modern spaces for our learners and staff.”

The Terrace has started the year with a roll of 271, an increase on last year. 

The 25 new families and pupils from the Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, Dunedin, Taupo, Te Anau and overseas were welcomed with a mihi whakatau (formal welcome) on February 4.   

Sarah said school started back on a positive note with students settling back into school routines quickly and excited to catch up with friends and staff.

Pupils in Years 4, 5, and 6 are heading away to camp this term to Puketeraki Marae and Camp Columba, and Year 7 and 8 go on camp later this year.

“Teachers are implementing the new Maths and English curricula from the refreshed curriculum building on our expertise for student success. 

“We are also building on our learning from last year about our place, our turangawaewae and looking at Kaitiakitanga, Guardianship of spaces and places,” Sarah said.

The Terrace has pupils enrolled from year 0 to 8 and has a specialist technology centre on site utilised by years seven and eight ākonga (learners) from across the district. 

Read more: Alex Primary building update; exciting times ahead

Read more: Cromwell Primary School block redevelopment underway

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