First 25 years of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson
24 May: On Monday 24 May 1965 the school known as Ngāruawāhia Number 3 opened with a roll of 275 and 8 classrooms. The pupils had previously attended Ngāruawāhia Primary but were resident on the east side of the Waikato River.
Mr. J.G. Sisley was appointed as the inaugural principal, Mr. T.N. Wise as the first assistant and Miss L. McPhee as the supervisor of junior classes. Four teachers came from Ngāruawāhia Primary and two were appointed by the South Auckland Education Board. The school secretary also came from Ngāruawāhia Primary.
The school grounds were not completed and the newly elected school committee was active in getting the classrooms ready, grounds cleared, fields marked and goals made.
14 June: The first parent teacher meeting was held. Sports colours were decided and the meeting decided unanimously to name the school Bernard Fergusson.
20 September:His Excellency the Governor General Sir Bernard Fergusson agreed to the school being called Bernard Fergusson School.
16 December:The first break-up was held in the Ngāruawāhia High School hall.
March: Preparations for the Vice Regal visit and official opening of the school is well under way. The school motto of ‘Kia Kaha Katoa’ (Be Strong Together) had been decided upon by the first school committee.
4 April: The Governor General Sir Bernard Fergusson officially opens the school. Head prefects David Paul, Daphne Tini, Joe Tini and Maxine Sellars show him around ‘his’ school.
J.G. Sisley writes “It was I believe a tremendously moving experience for us all. The effects I trust will be carried down through the years of this school’s existence”
3 August: Mayor of Ngāruawāhia present at school assembly to plant the first of 80 shrubs and 20 trees.
15 December: Break-up held at Tūrangawaewae Marae upon invitation by Te Arikinui. Guest speaker was Mr. Michael Jones of Ōtewa, Ōtorohanga.
3 October: Farewell visit of Sir Bernard and Lady Fergusson.
20 May: 16mm film projector purchased.
29 October: Aroha Middleton was the national winner of the Ngarimu V.C. and Māori Battalion essay competition.
30 January: Mr. Ces Badley was welcomed in pouring rain as the new principal. Difficult times ahead due to high staff turn over and a new direction which took time to be accepted by both staff and pupils.
November: Mr. and Mrs Badley wished well for forthcoming teaching exchange in the United Kingdom.
1 December: Mr. D.H. Leitch commenced as relieving principal for one month.
Mr. Barr commenced duties as long term relieving principal.
25 May: Principal approached to provide classrooms to house manuwhiri attending the Coronation celebrations.
20 February: Lord and Lady Ballantrae visited the school exchanged gifts and planted a totara tree near the front gate.
9 September: A swimming pool fundraising committee was formed.
7 February: Pupils attended the dedication ceremony of the new Kimiora to be officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II the following day.
8 February: Pupils were part of the welcome to the Royal visitors.
Farewell visit of Sir Bernard and Lady Fergusson.
16mm film projector purchased.
Aroha Middleton was the national winner of the Ngarimu V.C. and Māori Battalion essay competition.
Mr. Ces Badley was welcomed in pouring rain as the new principal. Difficult times ahead due to high staff turn over and a new direction which took time to be accepted by both staff and pupils.
Mr. and Mrs Badley wished well for forthcoming teaching exchange in the United Kingdom.
Mr. D.H. Leitch commenced as relieving principal for one month.
Mr. Barr commenced duties as long term relieving principal.
Principal approached to provide classrooms to house manuwhiri attending the Coronation celebrations.
Lord and Lady Ballantrae visited the school exchanged gifts and planted a totara tree near the front gate.
A swimming pool fundraising committee was formed.
Pupils attended the dedication ceremony of the new Kimiora to be officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II the following day.
Pupils were part of the welcome to the Royal visitors.
Senior pupils waited on tables at the Tūrangawaewae Poukai for the first time.
Pupils observed Para Machitt work on the mural in Kimiora.
