Lakeview school officially opened | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

NOTABLES and dignitaries alike were gathered in the school hall to celebrate the official opening of Lakeview School yesterday.

Board of trustees chairman Geoff Copps, Lakeview principal Peter Debney, National Party candidate John Hayes, National MP Bill English, Labour Party candidate Denise McKenzie, NZ First list MP Edwin Perry and Masterton Mayor Bob Francis were all on stage to witness the inauguration of Masterton's biggest primary school.

Mr Francis called the opening a milestone in education in Masterton.

He said there had been mixed feelings and doubt in the community leading up to the school merger but he is optimistic about the future of the new school.

"In the case of Lakeview, they have accepted the challenge ? and best wishes to you all and may you prosper on your new site," Mr Francis said.

Interspersed throughout the ceremony Lakeview pupils sang songs and performed for their high-profile guests.

"It is with a real sense of relief and some excitement that we will all be together permanently," Mr Debney said.

"There is still much to be done, grounds and landscaping, completion of our swimming pool and junior adventure playground, but we can now take possession of our 23 classrooms and facilities that we can be justly proud of," he said.

After a school review by the Ministry of Education last year, the number of schools in Masterton was reduced from 19 to 14.

The review saw the closure of Hiona Intermediate, Lansdowne School and Totara Drive School and the creation of Lakeview School on the Hiona site.

Harley Street School and Masterton Central School also closed and Masterton Primary School was created on the Central school site.

The changes also resulted in the closure of Cornwall Street School and Masterton West School, with the creation of Douglas Park School on the West School site.

Lakeview School now has a roll in excess of 500 pupils and is set to handle an eventual roll of over 600, making it Wairarapa's biggest full primary school.