34 years ago, Havelock North High School opened the first Special Needs Unit to six students, one teacher and a teacher aide.  Last week, the school celebrated the complete rebuild of the facility now called 600 Block – Te Wāhanga Ono Rau.  The new facility was well overdue as the number of staff and students has quadrupled since 1990.

Principal, Joel Wilton explains ‘The name intentionally connects this building to the rest of the school.  Our parents shared a strong view that the name should reflect the integration of our ORS students into the fabric of the school.  Not separate or segregated.’

‘Just like the name, the position of the new block is also intentional.  Along with our new Barham Common performing arts area, the 600 block is the hub of our school.   It is already wonderful to see students from all over the school congregating on the new tiered seating at break times.’

Alongside the landscaped outdoor area, the block provides two specialist teaching spaces, staff work areas, breakout spaces, a kitchen, laundry and specialist bathrooms. 

‘This building is the product of at least five years of hard work and negotiation.  I am incredibly grateful to our parent community who have worked alongside us to make sure our students got what they deserved. A state-of-the-art building that our community can be proud of for at least another 34 years.’ (Joel Wilton, Principal)

The block was blessed by kaumatua, Jerry Hapuku on Monday 22^nd July and officially opened on Friday 26^th July.  

Photo supplied by Jennifer Bake.

Article added: Tuesday 30 July 2024