Newspaper Article 1990 – Robin Schofield – A teacher sadly missed

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF TARADALE INTERMEDIATE   AUGUST 1990.

Robin Schofield – A teacher Sadly Missed

A popular member on the staff of Taradale Intermediate tragically died of an unfortunate accident on the sixth of January this year. Robin Schofield’s death was a shock to both family and friends as at 50 years he was an active member of the community. He is survived by his wife Soe and daughter Myn.

Mr Schofield trained at Ardmore Training College before his student year at Te Awa School. His first full time job was at Pohokura Mill School a position that he held for three years. From 1964 to 1971 he taught at Napier Intermediate before leaving to teach at Taradale Intermediate. In 1986 he was promoted to 2nd Deputy Principal a position he held to his death.

As a teacher Robin Schofield was highly thought of by pupils and staff alike since he was always encouraging and endeavoured to get the best out of all pupils. Throughout the years Mr Schofield taught in many classrooms both Form One and Two.

Being an enthusiastic sports man he was heavily involved in Hawke’s Bay junior cricket. He also organised all of the schools cricket and coached the “A” team. In his younger years Mr Schofield played many games for Central Districts in a long career. He began in the 1959-60 season as a left arm spinner but returned four seasons later as a wicketkeeper. In his first game back he set New Zealand records of nine catches in a match and seven in a innings against Wellington. These are still Central Districts records.

Mr Schofield also enjoyed gardening and won several Napier gardening competitions in the past decade. As part of this interest a memorial planned by Ray McTeigue is currently being built between the two form two syndicates. Using rocks, trees and paving it features a plague [plaque] which reads: “In memorial of Robin Schofield 1972-1990”.

Robin Schofield will be missed in school, sporting and family circles and his death is a big loss.

W.O.

Memorial Garden

Taradale Intermediate School is well underway in developing a memorial garden in remembrance of Robin Schofield.

Site plans, drawn up by a landscaper were sent out to the students’ parents. The garden is being built amongst existing trees on the lawns close to the school’s back boundary. Some parents, past pupils and friends of Mr Schofield have donated the funds needed for some shrubs and trees.

On JuIy donators had the opportunity to plant their shrubs. Later that week students also joined in the planting.

A memorial garden is a fitting tribute to Robin Schofield as he was an enthusiastic gardener who derived a great deal of pleasure from gardening. His home gardens are a thing of beauty and he and his wife, Soe, won several Napier garden competitions during the past decade.

Rocks for the memorial have been donated by

A plaque has been set into the rocks. The plaque reads “In Memory of Robin Schofield, a loyal and dedicated teacher from 1972-1990. “