School History

Hampden Street School is one of the oldest primary schools in Nelson City and has occupied the same site since 1868. The traditional motto is "Honestos Summa Sapientia" Honesty and Wisdom Above All.

The original school was burnt down in 1892. A new school was built in December 1892 at a cost of 300 pounds. A successful reunion was held in November 1980 when a memorial plaque was placed beneath the bell. The school name in brass letters and the school crest were placed in the reception area. The 125 year reunion was held in August 1993. Records of past rolls are kept at Nelson Provincial Museum. The school colours are red, and black.

The large oak in Ngatiawa Street was planted by Mr Hasse in 1905. As a young boy he found a sprouting acorn while bringing in the cows for morning milking. We are fortunate he planted it as it now stands as a distinctive landmark. 1916 the Hasse stables property was purchased for the school. The first dental clinic was built in 1923. This was closed in 1930 and the present clinic opened in 1942. On 14 December 1940 Mr Harry Atmore M.P. for Nelson opened the Hampden Street School Swimming Baths. The library was opened by Mr Jack Ching in 1979 on the eve of his retirement as a long-serving teacher after 31 years at the school.

The Hampden Street School Community Hall was opened by past pupil and Mayor of Tasman, Mr Kerry Marshall in December 1995. The hall was blessed in a dawn service. This was a parent fundraising project supported by the Ministry of Education. It was built on an existing tennis court on Ngatiawa Street boundary.

In 1996 a Waimea Road property was purchased for the school by the Ministry of Education. Four new classrooms were built on this site; Two classrooms catered for roll growth and two for the newly introduced pupil/teacher ratio. One new classroom replaced the old adventure playground and a new junior playground and courtyard were created. Bishop Sutton formally opened the buildings and a Maori blessing was given. In 1998 further land on Waimea Road was purchased by the Ministry of Education for the school. A Learning Centre was built on the site of the old library in 2001. This development was funded partly by a Ministry of Education grant and savings from a scheme introduced by the Government called ‘direct resourcing.’ It was opened by Mrs Jenny Earle who was on leave as Principal in the elected position of President of the New Zealand Principals Federation.

In 2005 the school’s administration area underwent an extensive re-development. This project was funded by both the Ministry of Education and the local community.

In 2007 Jenny Earle retired from the Principal’s position after 17 years. Mrs Earle was replaced by Don McLean, who was formerly Principal of Tasman School.