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History
1919
Birkenhead School was officially opened on Saturday 1st February 1919 with 74 students on its roll. Main school status was authorised in 1923.
1925
The 'A' Block was completed and this year also marked the severance from Northcote, as Birkenhead was now constituted a separate school district. The school roll was now 275 students.
1928
Fundraising began in 1928 for a dental clinic and in April 1930 the first dental nurse commenced duties.
1935
A kindergarten was started, using one of the school classrooms.
History
1940
Auckland Automobile Association School Safety Patrol was formed. The school road patrol system still continues today.
1944
The Education Board granted application for a swimming pool. It was officially opened in 1947 and still stands and is used by the junior school children today.
1944
The first PTA Committee was formed. The PTA System still continues today with dedicated parents giving their time to fundraise and build community within the school.
1946
The Country Library Service was inaugurated.
1946
The school roll was 335 and the first bicycle shed was built.
1950
1.5 acres of play field was laid down in grass. Two pre-fabricated rooms were brought in for the growing roll.
History
1953
Roll 431 - another prefab added.
1956
Two more rooms (part of the old infant block) were built.
1958
Roll 507 - another prefab!
1962
Roll reached 690.
1963
Roll reached 703.
1964
Compulsory school starting age was lowered from 7 years to 6 years.
1969
50th Jubilee celebrations and the opening of the new library.
History
1973
Opening of the first adventure playground.
1974
The school took its first class to Motutapu and this tradition still continues today for our Year 6 (Standard 4) classes.
1976
The Open Plan complex was opened with four infant classes transferring from the Infant Block.
1977
Demolition of the original Birkenhead School building.
1980
Official opening of the Multipurpose room, known as the Forsman Room, which was a major fundraising project for the school.
History
1981
New Chelsea School opened, reducing Birkenhead's roll. A fire in the old administration block caused $800 worth of damage.
1983
The first video equipment arrived at the school.
1989
The Board of Trustees Governance system took over from the School Committee as Tomorrow's Schools was introduced.
1994
75th Anniversary celebrations. School fire almost destroyed one classroom block.
History
1995
New School Logo introduced and Whanau group banners were created.
1996
New classrooms, office and reception opened.
1997
Nigel Bioletti appointed as Principal and would remain so until 2018. A new Senior Adventure Playground opens.
1998
Rooms 7, 8, 9 and 17 added to the school. The Lawson Reserve was officially named.
History
2000
First Camp at School Night (this event still runs every March).
2005
New school hall opened after a major fundraising effort.
2009
The schools Kapa Haka group began.
2010
National Standards were introduced.
2012
New Junior Playground opened.
2013
New District Community Dental Clinic opens next to the school.
History
2014
Apple TVs introduced into the school and iPads were introduced into the classroom.
2017
Two new prefab classes arrived.
2018
The Memorial Walkway was built and officially opened. Our playground boat arrived!
2019
New Principal Bevan Verryt starts at the school and we celebrate the school's 100th birthday. The school roll surpasses 500 students and continues to grow with another two temporary classrooms installed. To enhance play space for our growing roll, the senior court was covered with a synthetic turf.
2020
The Covid-19 pandemic started. Our school endures change with lockdown and online learning, and we learn to adapt to this changing educational environment.
2021
Covid-19 continues to affect the school, with more lockdowns and online learning. Work finally begins on the construction of a new 12-classroom plus administration block, and is due for completion in early 2022. A new logo, visual identity and uniform are launched!
2022
The new building is officially opened adding an additional 12 teaching spaces, administration area and staff room. All temporary classrooms are removed and for the first time in seven years, all children are in permanent rooms. In addition to the new building, the top courts are resurfaced, the swimming pool area is upgraded including new changing rooms and heat pump. BPS starts it's journey to replant all gardens to align with the native planting plan.
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