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Freyberg High School is a state co-educational secondary school located in the Palmerston North, New Zealand suburb of Roslyn. Opening in 1955 as the city's fourth state secondary school, Freyberg High School has a roll of 1148 students as of March 2019.[1]
The school was founded in 1955 and named for World War II hero and former Governor General, Bernard Freyberg. His name is reflected not only in the name of the school, but also of the school's gymnasium, Lord Freyberg Memorial Gymnasium. Like most New Zealand state secondary schools built in the mid-1950s, Freyberg High School is of "Henderson-type" construction, with long single-storey classrooms blocks of timber construction interconnected by a central spine. Additional classroom facilities have been built over the years to aid in the growing student numbers.
Also, the school's mascot and yearbook, which is handed to students at the end of each year, is known as the Salamander which was Freyberg's nom de guerre during World War II. The name given to him by Māori, Te Pou Hōia, is also reflected in the Māori name for the school.
Notable alumni Main category: People educated at Freyberg High School Politics Steve Maharey, Former New Zealand Labour Member of Parliament, Palmerston North (1990–2008), Vice-Chancellor of Massey University, Palmerston North (2009-2017) Jacqui Dean, former television and radio host, now National MP for Otago (2005–2008) and Waitaki (2008- ) [3] Darien Fenton, Labour List MP [4] Sport Ken Grainger, Former All Black Vivien Haddon, Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medalist and NZ Olympic representative. Sylvia Potts, Olympic and Commonwealth Games 1500m Runner Mark Ranby, former All Black Selica Winiata, New Zealand Sevens[3] and New Zealand Women's rugby player [4] Entertainment David D'Ath, singer, The Skeptics Lyn McConchie, International Science Fiction and Fantasy author Benjamin "Benny" Tipene, The X Factor NZ 2013 Notable staff (former and current) Delia Hannah, Actress[5][6] Peter Ingram, Central Districts cricketer Moira Senior, Black Stick Fiona Farrell, Author[7]
In 2005, the school celebrated its 50th Jubilee, in 2015, celebrated its 60th Jubilee and in 2025 will celebrate their 70th Jubilee.
Main entrance to Freyberg High School The school is located at the end of Freyberg Street, Palmerston North and is bordered by Skoglund Park on the east and Ross Intermediate School on the west. To the north are the netball courts of Vautier Park. Also present is the Freyberg Community Pool, which is open to the public for leisure.