Mount Hutt College staff and students, present and past, will celebrate on the same date the school opened 100 years ago – April 25.
Mount Hutt College was first named Methven District High School, before becoming Methven High School in 1969, then Mount Hutt College Methven in 1997. In later years the word Methven was dropped.
Centennial committee chair Kris Canham said there had been a student committee working on the event over the last couple of years with committee members.
‘‘The students have been helping source sponsorship and conduct interviews of those who have been previously involved in the school,’’ Canham said.
Committee secretary and teacher Rana Staples, who is herself a former student of the school, said she and fellow committee members wanted to create a festive atmosphere.
‘‘We have entertainment, food trucks, tours of the school, a tree planting, photos and a time capsule,’’ Staples said.
‘‘We hope past and current staff and students, parents of the students, volunteers who have assisted at the school, board and PTA members, and the community will attend the celebration,’’ Staples said.
Official celebrations will be held in the afternoon, when displays showcasing the life of the school will include uniforms and copies of Magpie, the school magazine.
There will be an outdoor area where current students will perform. At 2pm, the official opening, welcome and cake cutting will take place.
The day is also Anzac Day, and while not an official part of the celebration, everyone is invited to join Mount Hutt College participants in the town’s parade and service, beginning at the memorial arch at 9.15am.
Several groups and classes from over the lifetime of the school are planning their own get together events on the Saturday and Sunday.
Decade photo boards have recently been installed on an exterior wall of the college.
Registrations were steadily coming in with three tiers – one is entry to the event, two includes a centennial book, afternoon tea and reserved seating, while three has limited numbers as it is for an informal evening, with musical entertainment from school alumni, at Methven Resort.
– For more information or to register go to mounthuttcollege.co.nz/ alumni
