School event rejigged

Despite a difficult few weeks for many alumni and the current school community, Wairarapa College is going ahead with its centenary celebrations next week – with a few small tweaks.

From March 10 to 12, the college will be hosting several events to mark its 100th anniversary – and has organised a modified programme, bearing Cyclone Gabrielle and the recent national emergency in mind.

“The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle has resulted in a need to not only celebrate our proud history as a community school – but also to raise funds for those in the community and Wairarapa College alumni who are in need,” principal Matt White said.

White said the impact had led to a centenary committee decision to reshape some events without losing the overall celebratory feel.

For example, the Saturday evening dinner in the Wairarapa College Hall will be combined with the planned 1920s ball and revamped into a bigger gala celebration. The ticket price for the celebration has been reduced to encourage a wider audience.

In addition, the overall centenary event will have multiple donation opportunities available throughout the weekend.

Starting life as Wairarapa High School in 1923, the school merged with Masterton Technical School in 1938, then taking the name Wairarapa College.

“We have a proud history of serving the Wairarapa as its largest community school,” centenary committee chair Jason Kerehi said.

“It is fitting that we once again get behind the community when it is needed.”

WaiCol alumni are still welcome to register to attend the centenary on the event’s website and Facebook page. Tickets are still available for the gala celebration, but numbers are limited.

“It is our Wairarapa community, as well as our alumni, which we will be celebrating. It’s not too late to register for the three days of exciting events we have on offer,” Kerehi said.

More information about the changes to the Wairarapa College centenary programme can be found at waicolcentenary.nz