Much of Sherwood Schools history was documented in the 1987 50th Jubilee Book that is located at the bottom of this page. As we look to the schools 50th Jubilee in 2013 a new book is being produced.

The Principals

Sherwood School first opened it doors on the 8th of May 1963 and  was a milestone for the Ashley Clinton-Makaretu district. The school was an an amalgamation of Makaretu and Ashley Clinton School and opened with a roll of 80 students with Mr G.M Mooney (Gerry) as the first principal

During Mr Mooneys time at Sherwood School the school pool was built; at the end of 1963 with the sum of 600 pounds ($5000) raised and donated by the community, building of a paved and fenced tennis court, a fourth classroom and library added in the early 1970's, and a number of trees planted on the school grounds.

It is important to note the late Mrs June McLeod who gave 20 years of service to Sherwood during Mr Mooneys tenure.

Mr Mooney retired in 1987 after dedicating 25 years of sevice to Sherwood School, a feat, that will in todays current climate, be never be surpassed.

1988 bought the arrival of Mr Steve Cornelius. Mr Cornlius maintained the roll of the school to be in the late 60's and mid 70's. During his time he was instumental in bringing Maori studies and a traffic education programme to Sherwood. Mr Cornelius has the feat of having the rescue helicopter visit the school after an attempt by a student to score a try during a lunch time rugby game went badly wrong.

Mr Cornelius moved north from Sherwood in 1993 after 6 years of service to Sherwood School.

1994 saw the starting roll of the students at 63 and the first time a teaching principal was to spend more time in the classroom. It also saw Sherwoods first beginning principal and the first to be appointed by a school Board of Trustees.  Mr Peter Ahern moved to Sherwood from Hastings Intermediate School after spending time teaching in England.

Mr Ahern came to Sherwood as a mover and shaker and made many changes during his tenure. He changed the landscape by building the sick bay, store room, altering the reception area, extending the staffroom and moving the dental clinic from opposite the staffroom to its current resting place.

A huge undertaking that took place that changed the landscape of the school from what it looked like in 1963 was the building of the community hall. The hall and carpark was built on the existing school field. To compensate the loss of land the White family donated the padock to the school which is the current rugby field. It is fair to say that  the hall was not only a wonderful asset for the community, but also the school.

During Mr Aherns tenure Takapau celebrated its centenial and a small early settler shed was donated to the school.

Mr Ahern moved to Wellington to futher his career at the end of 1997 after 4 years of service.

In 1998 the Sherwood School Board of Trustees appointed the first female principal, Ms Rachel Smith.

 The school roll grew slightly over the time Ms Smith was at Sherwood. Paper work was completed efficently and she bought very high expectations for students to achieve to the school. She was, and still is, actively involved Camp Wakarara

Ms Smith moved from Sherwood in the June of 2002 to be the Deputy Principal at Waipawa School after four and a half years of service. For 2 months the school was run by Acting Principal Rod Appleton-Seymore.

Mrs Nikki Irwin was appointed as Principal in August 2002 and continued on from the wonderful work that Ms Smith has established during her time with the roll being in the 60's.

During the early 2000's many traditional sheep and beef farms in the district were being converted into Dairy and resulted in the school roll beginning to decline. Mrs Irwin left Sherwood School at the end of 2003 after one and a half years of service.

Mrs Siu Swinburn was appointed in 2004 by the Board of Trustees

During her time many changes took place - new school signs, the school archway, and the a new swimming changing area, P.E sheds and a toilet block. in 2006 there was discussion that Sherwood School close and merge with another school. The community was split at a vote and the school survived. The colour of the school was changed during Mrs Swinburn's tenure to the current purple/blue colour. There was a significant roll drop during her time and was at 23 on her departure in October 2009.

The school was lead by Mrs Michelle White as the Acting Principal from October until the appointment of Mr Ricardo Fox at the beginning of 2010 with a roll of 19.

Mr Fox moved to Sherwood from Peterhead School in Flaxmere. He is the current principal of Sherwood. Mr Fox has implemented a new curriculum and updated all school documentation with the staff and board, overseen the demolition of the prefab classroom that was erected in the 1970's, implemented Asian language and upgraded the schools physical environment. The current role of the school is 32, peaking at 38 in 2010.

Sherwoods future looks bright and is growing. We look forward to the 50th Jubilee in 2013. Please have a look at the 25th Jubilee book below.