Oratia Primary

Cal Greer

Principal, Oratia District School

Cal grew up in Auckland and completed his secondary education at Otahuhu College. Although he completed a technical course he found he was better at Maths and English than the technical disciplines. So in 1968 Cal enrolled at the Auckland College of Education to become a teacher, and in his first section (now referred to as practicum) he said to himself, “I can do this!” With a degree and teaching diploma under his belt Cal’s first school was Pasadena Intermediate for a year and then he taught at Remuera Intermediate for two years. (While at Pasadena, Cal married Ellie). Country service followed Remuera and the family had moved to Netherton School on the Hauraki Plains. “It was a wonderful time of picking up hay, milking cows in the morning and night and teaching all day. The first of our four children were born there.” Ellie and Cal have two boys and two girls. A scale ‘A’ teacher with a good grading, Cal’s next school was as a sole charge principal at Oruawharo School on the Kaipara Harbour, north of Wellsford. Cal’s next move was to Dairy Flat School as deputy principal for seven years and then he was acting principal for a year when the incumbent was overseas. “These were among the most pleasurable years in a classroom.” Having been in charge and having gained a couple of good grades Cal sought a principal’s position and won the role at Ohope Beach School, an idyllic spot over the hill from Whakatane. “Five years there including integrating ‘Tomorrow’s Schools’, we moved back to Auckland, largely for the sake of the family’s education.” And at that stage Cal secured his current role at Oratia, fifteen years ago. “This is a marvellous place and there’s never been any desire to be at any other school.” Oratia School has its 125th Anniversary this November. Its catchments stretch to Piha and Karekare, where they also have a small side school. Apple Orchards sprung up around the school 100 years ago and this part of the community will also be honoured this November. “While our methods are contemporary we love tradition and the important role the school has played in this part of Waitakere City.”