Nau mai, haere mai – Welcome!

A warm welcome to all our whānau, families, friends, and the broader community as we gather for Glenbrook School’s 85th Calf Club. This cherished event is a time for us to reconnect with our rural roots and reflect on the rich history and traditions that define our school. It’s also an opportunity to come together in the spirit of Whakawhanaungatanga, Mana, Ako, and Manaakitanga, which form the heart of our Glenbrook School values.

A Tradition with Deep Roots

The first Calf Club at Glenbrook School dates back to 1932, thanks to the vision and persistence of C.J.T. Hodgkinson. His memoirs recount, “I had a heck of a time convincing the school committee of the benefits of Calf Club,” but his determination paved the way for a beloved tradition that has stood the test of time. Though it paused during World War II and a few other years, including 2021 due to COVID lockdowns, Calf Club remains a treasured event in our school’s calendar.

As our world becomes busier and change accelerates, it’s more important than ever to hold onto these moments that bring us together as a community. Our traditions and school values anchor us, reminding us to treasure the past while embracing the future. Community means coming together, supporting our children, and being active participants in their learning and growth.

Celebrating Our Heritage and Talents

This year, our heritage exhibits featured beautiful Vaseline Saucers and Buttonholes, offering whānau a chance to connect with the school and support our tamariki. Our students have put their hearts into preparing a variety of entries – from calves, lambs, goats, chickens, and small furries like rabbits and guinea pigs, to creating outdoor games, posters, and even potato growing competitions. Each entry reflects the effort and dedication our children have shown, with many of these activities woven into the school’s Arts curriculum.

Our teachers and students have worked tirelessly, ensuring that the learning intentions and success criteria are met, showcasing the unique talents of each student. We invite you to explore all the wonderful exhibits, and please remember that students can take their creations home at 12:00pm. Be sure to join us for the prize-giving ceremony in the hall at 12:30pm, where we will celebrate the hard work and achievements of our young learners.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Events like Calf Club wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the parents, whanau, sponsors, PTA, judges, and the Calf Club Committee – your dedication and commitment are truly appreciated. Special thanks to our wonderful teachers who have put in countless hours preparing students for this event.

We also want to give special recognition to our Year 8 students, who will be receiving their Long Service Medals. This is a significant milestone, marking years of dedication and involvement with Calf Club, whether they began as preschoolers or five-year-olds. We are incredibly proud of you!

A Day to Celebrate Our Children

Finally, let’s remember that Calf Club is all about our children. Congratulations to every student who has contributed an entry – your efforts are truly remarkable. You are an important part of our school’s story, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you.

Families, friends, and whānau, enjoy the food, stalls, animals, and exhibits today. Take a moment to savor this special day with your children, and thank you for being a part of the Glenbrook School community. We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

At Glenbrook School, we are dedicated to Realising Potential together with your children.Ngā mihi nui,
Lysandra Stuart
Principal, Glenbrook School