Camps, productions, the basics, star tokens for clued-up students, and organising a basketball team with a young future Tall Black.
Denise White has closed her roll book after 45 years of primary teaching, including 28 at Hampden Street School.
Her “outgoing nature” and dedication have left an indelible mark on her first teaching post since immigrating to Aotearoa from vibrant, working-class Edmonton in North London in 1995 with her late Nelson-born husband.
“It was so lovely coming to New Zealand to teach in a New Zealand school,” she reflects.
“I immediately became involved with running and coaching the basketball teams, and loved getting involved with all the inter-school sports events, the productions, and obviously the school camps to Canvastown, Mārahau, and Mistletoe Bay. It’s not something we ever did in UK schools.”
Denise’s Hampden Street tenure has spanned all the profession’s revolutions, preparing lifelong learners in the junior, middle, and senior syndicates, serving as a Board of Trustees member, and tutoring incoming teachers.
Her most notable student was Finn Delany, who went on to represent New Zealand in basketball.
“Most kids say how much they love being in my class because we have such a fun time. My aim is to provide a safe learning environment that’s fun to be in, embrace the learner qualities our school promotes, and encourage the children to reach their potential,” she says.
“I’ve gotten to know many over the years and I think they’ve really appreciated that.
“The staff here are also wonderful - very hardworking, caring, and cohesive - and I’ve made a lot of close friends who I will continue to be friends with in the future.”
A surprise guard of honour by tamariki saluted Denise’s retirement from Hampden Street, and the 70-year-old’s next assignment will be more travel, pilates and fitness classes, and volunteering at The Book Vault at Founders Heritage Park.
Principal Don McLean called his colleague “a true Hampden Street legend” whose impact is “immeasurable.”
“Denise leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, and we wish her every happiness in her well-deserved retirement. She will be dearly missed.”
