Mrs Simpson, Waitaki Girls’ High School’s oldest "old girl", at 99, was an honorary guest at the unveiling of the school’s new junior block last Thursday, cutting the ribbon with school head girl Anna Mansfield, 16, to officially open the newly refurbished building.
All pupils and teaching staff attended the opening on the school’s official first day back for the term.
Waitaki Girls’ principal Sarah Hay officially welcomed everyone including Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher and Te Runanga o Moeraki Upoko David Higgins, who performed a karakia and joked that he should "enrol at the school" as he had been there twice in one week.
Mrs Hay said she was relieved and happy the building was finished after 11 months of work that began in March last year.
The heritage building had all new windows and carpet installed and had been completely reinvigorated, with a new "lease of life," she said.
The contractors had been "amazing" and teaching staff had been "very good" for bearing with the challenges of the rebuild.
"It was a massive undertaking and Breens [construction company] overcame everything with ease.
"It’s been really hard on the teachers. They had to sacrifice a staff room, finding every nook and cranny to use and other resources ... but they made do."
The new junior block will provide 10 classrooms and office spaces for the school.
