It was back to school for four of Nelson Intermediate’s foundation pupils on Monday, as former students gathered to celebrate the school’s 75th jubilee.
Ronald Marks, Rosemary McCallum, Ron Marris and Kerry Neal were the only “originals” in attendance. Now in their late 80s, school life was “very different” back then, they say.
The school opened on 17 February 1951, and the jubilee gave the 75 alumni who attended a chance to return and share memories.
Paul Willis, who attended the school from 1967-1968, says it was the first time he had been back on the school grounds in 59 years. He looks back on his time at the Tipahi St campus fondly.
“It provided a fantastic foundation for our later careers.”
He does, however, remember “the strap”, classes of 42 pupils to one teacher, and students being seated in alternating boy-girl order and according to height.
The jubilee began with a formal welcome and student assembly, with former student, teacher and principal Hugh Gully returning as guest speaker for the celebrations. This was followed by morning tea and a meet-and-greet.
Attendees were then taken on guided school tours by current students. The event also featured a memory capture booth with recording pods where people could leave a favourite school memory. Celebrations concluded with a dinner at Tides Eatery.
Keep an eye out in next week’s Nelson Weekly for more photos on our Out & About page.
