They arrived at Greerton Village School as five-year-olds. Now Flynn Henderson and Keieer Davies have returned as teachers - just in time for the school’s 150th centenary.

For both, returning to Greerton was more than a career choice. It had been a homecoming.

Henderson remembers arriving with his mother, who was a classroom teacher for 10 years. Davies also recalls her first day.

“I remember walking into school with my two big sisters on each side - a bleach blonde five-year-old with a smile from ear to ear,” Davies said.

Henderson remembers the welcoming atmosphere and coloured classrooms, which remain familiar today.

Greerton Village School playground and classrooms carry positive affirmation messages. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“Back in those days computers weren’t really around, so we had to find things to do outside,” he said. “Whether that be kick a ball around outside or sitting inside being a pain listening in on teacher conversations.”

For Davies, an early favourite was the playground swing bridge.

“I remember me and another little girl sitting on it, swinging our legs and giggling about everything,” she said.

One classroom holds a particular memory for Davies - it was where she spent both her first and final years at Greerton.

“To be able to start and end my time at Greerton Village in the same classroom was special,” she said.

Teachers who inspired

Both teachers were influenced by teachers from their own school days.

For Henderson, it was Kimberly Honey, then known as Miss Brett.

“She really looked after us and gave us the time of day no matter what,” he said.

Henderson remembers her enthusiasm for art, a subject he had not previously been interested in.

“I have even stolen some lessons and done them with my classes,” he said.

Flynn Henderson, Karanveer Bath-Singh (5), Olaga Samuelu (5) and Keifer Davies. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

For Davies, one of the teachers who inspired her is now a colleague.

“Each day I walk into the classroom, I hope to be even the tiniest bit the amazing teacher she was,” Davies said.

Davies decided she wanted to teach while at high school, when she worked as a teacher aide at Greerton.

“I loved working with the kids and helping them learn new things,” she said.

“That’s when I knew I wanted to be the one up the front teaching them and helping them grow.”

Henderson grew up in a family of teachers but initially wanted to pursue a rugby career. Advice from his family eventually prompted him to consider teaching.

“It was the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said.

After two years teaching at Gate Pā School, he returned to Greerton.

“Where I really wanted to teach was back home at Te Kura o Maarawaewae.”

Coming home

Returning to the school where they were once pupils had given both teachers a unique perspective.

For Davies, it is a privilege.

“To walk back through the school gates of somewhere that played a role in making me who I am and to do it as a teacher is something special,” she said.

A welcome message on the Greerton Village School’s principal’s desk. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Henderson said seeing familiar faces among staff and whānau creates a “full circle” feeling.

“I come to work every day thinking how lucky I am to be back somewhere working where my whole life started.”

Both are conscious of the influence they now have on today’s children.

Henderson aims to be a fun teacher while maintaining high standards. Davies wants her pupils to believe in themselves.

“So many children fear making mistakes and in turn don’t get to reveal their true capabilities,” she said.

“I hope that each one of my students leave knowing that they can do anything and always have someone in their corner.”

Seeing today’s five-year-olds also reminded Davies of herself.

“I always loved school and seeing the smiles on their faces remind me of five-year-old me.”

Greerton Village School playground and classrooms carry positive affirmation messages. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

150 years of memories

Being part of Greerton’s 150th year is especially meaningful for Henderson and Davies because they are part of its history twice - first as pupils and now as teachers.

Davies said the school had changed over the years, but its “bones, the drive and the passion” had remained.

For Henderson, Aunty Barr represents that continuity. “Everyone loves Aunty Barr and she is a huge part of this school,” he said.

Some of his most vivid memories are of kapa haka practices and the advice she shared. With this being Aunty Barr’s final year at Greerton, the 150th celebrations will be particularly poignant.

Henderson believes the school’s strength lies in its community.

“Students, whānau and the community make the place what it is,” he said. “It’s not a big place and everyone knows everyone.”

For Davies, it is the dedication of staff and their commitment to creating a place where children feel “loved, comfortable and safe to achieve and grow”.

For former pupils who have not returned for many years, the 150th centenary offers a chance to come home, reconnect and share memories.

For Henderson and Davies, the journey from five-year-old pupils to teachers shows just how long those connections can last.

Greerton Village School’s 150th Centenary will be celebrated on November 13-14. Former pupils, staff, whānau and the wider Greerton community are encouraged to register now on www.greerton.school.nz and be part of this special milestone.