Manurewa West Primary School - Wisdom Through Understanding

HISTORY OF SCHOOL

Manurewa West Primary School opened in February 1963 with a roll of 272. The foundation Headmaster was Mr Jack Whitburn. Manurewa West Primary School was the fifth Primary School to be established in Manurewa.

By 1966 the school roll had reached 636, with one class having a class size of 55 supported by two teachers. Shortly after, by 1968 the roll had reached 771 necessitating the development of another school in the near-by region (Leabank). In 1969, 300 children transferred to Leabank and the school roll went down to 460.
 
 

 
Manurewa was a fast growing suburb during this time other schools had been built in the neighbourhood allowing for the maintenance of a stable roll range in the 300's. By the 80's, the roll fluctuated in the 200's.

The school community was very pro-active in the support of their school and in lobbying the local council for the necessary infrastructure to support the safe travels to and from school.

Manurewa West Primary School was seen as a leading school in its early days, particularly in its teaching and learning developments and community input.

This reputation continues through to this current time, when, despite a change in socio-economic factors, the pursuit of excellence through effective teaching and learning has featured as a success factor in many of the school's current applications.

Principals of Manurewa West Primary School

1963 – 1982 Mr Jack Whitburn

1983 – 1989 Mr Gordon Wheeler

1990 – 1995 Mr John Farquharson

1996 – Current Mr David Wallis

There is no doubt, the benefits arising from this experienced leadership over the years, has had a considerable impact on the pride and reputation that Manurewa West Primary School has with Manurewa Community.