Over Labour Weekend, Long Bay College marked a remarkable milestone its 50th Anniversary, with a series of festivities that brought together past and present members of the College community for a truly golden celebration.
The weekend was filled with laughter and connection as alumni from across the decades returned. Putting faces to names, matching old school photos to real-life alumni, and hearing stories of life at Long Bay “back in the day” made for a heartwarming start to the celebrations.
Guided by staff and prefects, visitors explored the campus, sharing memories that bridged generations. One tour group, in particular, managed to make Deputy Principal, Mike Lewis blush more than once with their tales. Many alumni travelled long distances to attend, some brought their families to show them where it all began, and a few even returned twice over the weekend.
Beyond the school gates, several year groups organised their own reunions, gathering across Auckland to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about their school days.
The weekend’s main event, the Gala Dinner was a glamorous and unforgettable evening held at the North Shore Golf Club. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, conversation, and the joy of shared memories. One of the most moving moments came when founding Principal, Ian Sage received a spontaneous standing ovation before delivering a speech that was both humorous and deeply nostalgic, reflecting on the early days of establishing the College in the 1970’s.
Four of the five Long Bay College Principals were in attendance that evening, Ian Sage (1974–1991), Derek Stubbs (1992–2000), Stephanie Norrie (2000–2008) and current Principal CJ Healey (since 2017). Only Russell Brooke was unable to join the occasion as he was overseas.
Master of Ceremonies Marko Orams led the evening with charisma and wit, weaving in an unforgettable story involving flour bombs and a mystery pilot. Alumni speakers Stephan Oldfield, Kim Gilfillan, and Roimata Smail each shared personal reflections spanning the ’80s and ’90s. Oldfield estimated that nearly 20,000 Long Bay College alumni are now contributing across the globe. Gilfillan brought vibrant energy and humour from her late-’80s memories, while Smail credited her law career to the inspiration of former Principal Stephanie Norrie, offering heartfelt thanks and a few laughs along the way.
Guests enjoyed a superb dinner before the band Hands Off took to the stage, keeping the dance floor full well into the night.
Adding a touch of sparkle to the celebrations, a striking grey Ford Mustang, courtesy of North Harbour Ford, greeted guests at the entrance. During the evening’s raffle draw, Melissa Christison won the use of the car for a weekend. An exciting prize for someone who confessed she had “never won anything before.”
The following day, social media was abuzz with photos, videos, and messages capturing the joy of the weekend. One post from Keri Prentice summed it up perfectly: “The joy in the room was palpable.”
Long Bay College invites alumni to continue sharing their memories and photos from the weekend via the Alumni website and Facebook group. Eight limited-edition, LBC T-shirts featuring the College’s original red, black, and grey colours are up for grabs for those posting the best pictures on either page.
facebook.com/groups/lbcalumni
longbaycollege.com/alumni
As the College reflects on five decades of growth, achievement, and community, one thing is clear: the Long Bay spirit continues to shine brightly. Here’s to fifty incredible years and to the generations of students, staff, and families who have made the journey so memorable.
Photos from the Gala Dinner are available for registered alumni at: https://longbaycollegealumni.alumnly.com/alumni/photos/albums
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Important information about Measles in New Zealand – Guidance following increased national risk of measles
Health New Zealand is alerting schools to an escalating risk of measles as it responds to a measles outbreak following confirmation of 13 new cases of measles since 20 October around New Zealand.
This escalating risk is a concern, especially for education settings where measles can spread rapidly. In New Zealand, our measles immunisation rates are too low to prevent outbreaks from happening when measles is circulating in our communities. Our low immunisation rates contribute to this lack of community protection.
Measles is circulating and is very contagious. There is now measles in Northland, Auckland, Manawatu, Nelson and Wellington, and we expect further cases across New Zealand.
- Watch out for symptoms – fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, and a blotchy rash:
- Anyone with measles symptoms must stay at home and should seek urgent advice by ringing their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
- Anyone who is closely exposed to a measles case must stay at home. Heath New Zealand will provide individuals with advice on a case-by-case basis (including when they can leave quarantine at home).
- Health New Zealand is actively working with the schools that currently have measles cases.
- People are considered immune to measles after having two doses of a measles vaccine from 12 months or older, or if you have had measles before. For more information on measles immunity visit:
Measles immunity – Health New Zealand
- Encourage families and whānau to check their own and their child/childrens’ immunisation status through My Health Record:
My Health Record – Health New Zealand
- Anyone born between 1969 and 2004 may have only received one vaccine dose and might not be fully protected. It’s safe to get extra doses. A free vaccine can be booked online or via the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26.
Book my vaccine – Health New Zealand
