| 111 T T Ange Davidson Historic school block gets revamp New window frames and double glazing have been installed in the historic junior classroom block at Waitaki Girls’ High in Oamaru. Waitaki Girls’ High School COMMUNITY The historic Junior Classroom block at Waitaki Girls’ High School in Oamaru has recently received a facelift to ensure the iconic building remains fit for purpose and an integral part of the thriving schools learning facilities. New window frames and double glazing, new carpets, display boards and fittings have been installed in the ten-classroom block with an open plan classroom in the basement. The Junior Classroom block was built in 1928 and will be match fit for many years to come. Principal Sarah Hay says the renovation work was carried out by BREEN Construction, an Otago based company that works on nationally recognised historic structures to help preserve, restore, and breathe new life into them. “All the windows needed replacing and some of the original windows were challenging. Many of them hadn’t opened and shut for a long time and due to the damage, many years ago windows were installed on the inside to ensure weather tightness. The site foreman, Paulo Fisal, was fantastic to work with. He was also very invested in the project as he has two daughters at the school,” says Sarah. Historic building renovations are inherently complex and sensitive and involve the management of multiple interfaces and technology-led solutions. As with all construction work, BREEN are attentive to detail and listens to the needs of clients and guardians of historic buildings such as Heritage New Zealand. “We’re revamping a really well-made building that has great little office spaces in each classroom for the teachers and for storage. You don’t get spaces like these in new classroom designs. They’re a bit of a luxury,” she says. The historic classroom is home to many memories for old girls of Waitaki Girls High School which was established in 1887 by two local politicians who persuaded Parliament to establish a high school for girls in Oamaru to serve the North Otago region. Author Janet Frame is one of Waitaki Girls High School’s most famous pupils, and in recognition of the 100-year anniversary of her birth next year, the school’s Artist in Residence, Erin Brown, is working with students to paint Janet Frame inspired picnic tables throughout the school grounds. The school role presently sits at 376 girls and is home to 20 borders at Waitaki House which is situated on the school grounds. Oamaru has a strong Pacifica community and last month the school competed in the Otago Polyfest and celebrated Tongan Language week. “We have a diverse school community within a small family school that grows strong women for the future. Our school values of Responsibility, Resilience, and Respect underpin everything we do,” she says. Oamaru serves a large rural district and like every small town in New Zealand, it reflects the rural economy and nationwide issues. Falling lamb and dairy prices impact the town and school which is a concern. “A lot of our families are connected with the agriculture sector and people are concerned with where the economy and global prices are heading. On a positive note, visitors are back in town and tourism is thriving,” says Sarah. Oamaru is home to the Steampunk movement that has flourished within the historic Oamaru stone Victorian Precinct near the town’s harbour and Blue penguin colony. The precinct has the most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th century architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. “We’re revamping a really well-made building that has great little office spaces in each classroom for the teachers and for storage.” Peter Herron Flooring Covering the South Island, we provide quality ooring installation and preparation guaranteed. MADAM MAT | Mat Binding Specialist Located in the Peter Herron Building | P: 03 688 3876 Shop Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs | 12noon - 4pm Office 021 315 169 peterherronflooring@gmail.com No matter how big or small, everyone is important. P: 03 434 1232 | E: oamaru@laserplumbing.co.nz | W: www.oamaru.laserplumbing.co.nz • Onsite Wastewater Solutions • Service & Maintenance • New Homes • Home Heating Solutions • 24 hours, 7 days Laser Plumbing Oamaru - Your complete plumbing professionals
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