We hope you enjoy this “potted” history that Joy our office manager found on her computer;

Pukete School was opened in 1973 and the founding Principal was Mr Jim Hawes.

Historical Events in the life of Pukete School 1973 - 1983:
February 1973 - School Opened

June 1973 - Roll 235
      
July 73    -  School Dental Clinic being built

September 73 - Hose reel purchased for $7.50

December 73 - Children take swimming lessons at Te Rapa School – 15 cents per trip.

February 74 - Work begins on carpark and bike park tarseal.

June 74 - Lochie Tinkler took up his position as Acting Deputy Principal.
- 74.5% of families attend parent/teacher interviews.

November 74  A circus uses the school grounds and raises $35.00 for the school.

December 74  No further extensions planned for the School until 1976 as rooms can hold 475 students.

July 76  - Swimming Pool completed

October 75 - Golden Elm inadvertently cut down by Groundsman.  

December 75 - New Caretaker appointed and his wife appointed as cleaner.- Shed built by Education Board.

February 76 - Weekend ground vandalism a problem.

August 76 - Propose planting 10 native trees on the north eastern boundary.

October 76 - H.C.C. runs a school garden competition.  Fifty children sing inSchool Choir.

February 77 - Flax and cabbage trees planted on the southern boundary.

March 78 - Roll 456.  Circus performs in school grounds.  One day time show, And an evening show which was sold out.

April 78 - Shelving for reading resource room approved at a cost of $79.43
Trees on field not suitable for shade and may need to be replaced.
School patrol now operating on pedestrian crossing.
May 78 - Grounds closed for top dressing.
Proposal to build a bank on the south side of the swimming pool.

June 78 - HCC pays school $41.00 for use of pool over Christmas holidays.
300 children visit the ballet at Founders Theatre.

July 78  - Education Board delivers 8’ x 8’ Coal Shed.

November 78 - Pool repainted by parents.

March 79 - Local Parishioners used the school for “After School Sunday School” programme.

October 79 - School Fees - $5.00 first child, $2.00 second child – max $9.00 per family.
Fun fair raises $1,400.

November 79 - Confirmation of “F Block” received.
68/70 at meeting support corporal punishment.

April 80 - Lions Club donates $50. for Library Books.

June 80 - Two students win top prize in Unesco Poetry Competition.

October 80 - Playground tower built by volunteers.

September 81 - Trip to Centennial Pools for Queens visit.  140 cars take the children.
- 99% of Std. 1 and 2 students take part in a mini marathon.

December 81 - Jim Hawes resigns as Principal.

February 82 - Spell-a-thon organized to pay for climbing frame.

June 82 - New electric typewriter purchased for the school at a cost of$2,085.00

June 83 - Roll 525
School participates in Telethon fundraising and attends the celebration to donate $54.84.