We welcomed former students from the WGHS Class of 1966 back to Westlake on Friday 5 June, to celebrate a special occasion – their 60-year reunion.
We were very pleased that four teachers from that time – Beth Beever, Helen Goodwin, Shona Smith (Follas) and Lynn Kerridge, joined the group of foundation students of Westlake Girls for this celebration.
The tour of the school, led by Dean Flyger, Community Relationship Manager, included one gym which was opened in December 1964 – the only building remaining from their time at Westlake. The guests were very impressed with all the facilities now available to Westlake students.
A special part of the morning was the group’s donation of a pūriri tree to mark this significant milestone. Former student, Liz Goodwin, spoke about the tree, with the message, “We give it with love and gratitude for those before us and with love and joy to those in the future”.
After the tour, the group was welcomed in the Event Centre by Matua Eddie Hudson, and principal Jane Stanley, and enjoyed catching up and looking at the displays over a delicious morning tea.
Thanks to the many people who helped make this a memorable occasion, especially Te Puna o Hiwa i te Rangi for their waiata, the Serenade Strings Quartet, and the prefects who helped with the tour and set up for the morning.
Cathy Roughan, WGHS Alumni Coordinator
