Teacher strikes a chord

Warkworth School music teacher Linda Gribble couldn’t help but join in the Pasifika group performance, during her farewell last month.

The influence of Warkworth School teacher Linda Gribble filled the school’s hall last month as dozens of her students gave heartfelt performance for the teacher’s farewell.

Linda appeared to relish the chance to enjoy the talents of her students as a member of the audience, but she couldn’t resist getting up for a boogie and joining the choir for a sing-along during the performances in her honour.

Mrs Gribble is moving to Hamilton after teaching at Warkworth School for 18 years.

She worked with the choir, Pasifika and kapa haka groups and tutored students.

School principal Cynthia Holden said her enthusiasm had a far-reaching impact.

“The deep passion she has for music has penetrated the whole school, the wider community and every part of our souls,” Mrs Holden said. “A lot of your spirit will be left within us. She has an exceptional musical talent and she managed to bring that out in everyone she taught.”

Mrs Gribble became renowned for taking the student choir to perform at local resthomes and organised the annual Carols by Candlelight in Lucy Moore Memorial Park, coordinating all the schools in the area for the performance.

She also helped establish the musician scholarship programme at the school.

In her farewell speech, Mrs Gribble said her experience at the school had been a joy.

“I’m going to take you all with me in my head and my heart because I’ve got lots of memories of pupils and fantastic parents that created them.”

School teacher Hanna Treweek also left the school to teach at Northcross Intermediate School. Ms Treweek started teaching at the school two years ago after finishing teachers college.

Mrs Holden said Ms Treweek’s positive attitude and involvement in sports would be missed.

“If there’s one thing that stands out about Hannah it’s her smile. She has bundles of energy are delightful and all children have enjoyed her because they have been so positive. We will take fond memories of her with us.”