Staff and students have been patiently waiting for a new school for 11 years after the current one was damaged by the earthquake of 22 February 2011.
A weeklong celebration began on Sunday to conclude the term with speeches from former students, activities and games and a visit from Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
Teacher and outgoing coordinator Rhonda Aitken said the school is one of the last to undergo a full renovation, located on the grounds of Old Shirley Boys’ High School on North Pde.
“It [school] was deemed safe for us to operate from, but we are really hanging by a thread,” she said.
Aitken said her classroom has many cracks and a sinking floor in the corner from the earthquake damage. The school also had to do without a hall because it was demolished.
She said the move to a new location is exciting but will also be emotional as some of the main buildings in the current location will be demolished.
“We wanted to make sure we say hello to the school before we leave because it’s not just the buildings, it’s the people that make this community what it is.”
On Friday, the school hosted a final home, attended by Dalziel and former principal Murray Edlin.
Aitken said that while the students are excited to finally have a new school, some of the youth are anxious at the thought of uprooting.
“While there is excitement, there is also a bit of trepidation and fear, because moving to a new school is something huge.”
Students and staff walk from their current location to their new location, followed by a pōwhiri on July 27 when the school year starts again.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has also been invited to attend.
“The journey has been long, but we are almost at the end,” said Aitken.
“Now we are finally coming out of that big dark tunnel and going to our new school.”