Freyberg High School

History

The school was founded in 1955 and named for World War II hero and former Governor General, Bernard Freyberg. His name is reflected not only in the name of the school, but also of the school's gymnasium, Lord Freyberg Memorial Gymnasium. Like most New Zealand state secondary schools built in the mid-1950s, Freyberg High School is of "Henderson-type" construction, with long single-storey classrooms blocks of timber construction interconnected by a central spine. Additional classroom facilities have been built over the years to aid in the growing student numbers.

Also, the school's mascot and yearbook, which is handed to students at the end of each year, is known as the Salamander which was Freyberg's nom de guerre during World War II. The name given to him by Māori, Te Pou Hōia, is also reflected in the Māori name for the school.

In 2005, the school celebrated its 50th Jubilee and in 2015, celebrated its 60th Jubilee.

Changes

In 2004, Freyberg High School welcomed Michael McMenamin as the new Principal with the school roll in the 1200s. McMenamin took over from the post left by Russell Trethewey after 11 years.

At the end of 2008, Principal Michael McMenamin returned to New Plymouth Boys' High School after five years at Freyberg. He was replaced as Principal by long-serving Deputy - Peter Brooks as of 2009.

For the purposes of school structure and interhouse athletics and swimming competitions, the school is divided into 4 houses. This is known as "Four Schools in One". Each student belongs to one of the four houses.

Freyberg High School works along the vertical structure with whānau groups which includes Year 9 through to Year 13 along house lines. The 'teacher' of the whānau group is in the same house as his or her students.

Prior to 2002, there were the horizontal 'tutor' groups where it was for a specific year only. For example, 12LB.

Before 2001, there were a mix of houses within one tutor group, however this was changed in 2002 to make it one tutor group, one house. Tutor groups are now referred to as 'Whanau' classes.

In 2016, coaching classes have been introduced to support students for the whole 5 years they attend the school. Students are taught beneficial skills such as time management, planning goals, career paths, study advice and more. The classes are sorted into individual year levels and respective houses with one 'coach' who will be monitoring the students through to years 9 to 13. It is held almost every week and replaces the Whanau time slot on a Wednesday.

Houses

Each house has a name concerning the region, and also has reference to Te Rauparaha.

In the past Kapiti and Manawatu houses have had the edge over the other two, with Kapiti winning the house cup in 2006, and Manawatu in 2007. Tararua house changed this run when they took out the house cup in 2008. Recently the dozen or so school competitions are highly competitive and evenly contested. Before the reshuffling to the present system, the House system ran along an alphabetical surname basis, for example a surname beginning with A was in Tararua, B Manawatu etc. During this era, Ruahine House was the most successful.

Facilities of the School

Freyberg High School offers a range of facilities for its students.[5]

Sporting rivalries

Freyberg High School annually conducts sports exchanges with Taradale High School and Kapiti College. The junior school also participate in a Central Six competition. There is also a rivalry between Freyberg and Awatapu College for the Mark Ranby Trophy in rugby union.

Politics

Sport

Entertainment

Arts

Notable staff (former and current)