Tara School - Then and Now
Thirty-five years ago, inspired by a vision to establish the inaugural Mana Retreat Centre, the first buildings were constructed on the land. Originally, it served as the first Mana Retreat Centre; however, as a new Centre was constructed further up the hill, it transformed into a small school that provided an alternative Steiner-based education. During the years 1992 to 2001, many children attended the school, drawn by the presence of Steiner-trained teachers. The same buildings are still there and have now been transformed into a Centre for Mindful Living, known as Dharma Gaia.
Planning For A Reunion
A year ago, the proposal was made to organize a reunion for the students, teachers, and families of Tara School. The school played an important role in the history of Mana. After recently commemorating 35 years of Mana Retreat Centre, it seemed like the perfect time to reunite and celebrate the legacy of what was once a flourishing school on Mana land.
Certainly, tracking down numerous individuals after 25 years is no small feat, especially since many have since passed away. Nonetheless, as news spread throughout the community, an increasing number of former families from Tara School began to step forward.
And just like that, a reunion was to be held – 9th October, 2024.
These historic steps at Tara School were once a place of gathering for all children throughout the day.
The Reunion - October 2024
The reunion beautifully blended the joy of reconnecting with old friends, colleagues, and families while also revisiting the cherished rhythms of Tara School. A memory table was arranged in the dining area, featuring old photographs and newsletters. Many people took the time to explore these treasures, sharing stories, laughing, and shedding tears as they reminisced about many fond memories. A fern spiral was arranged in the Octagon as a tribute to the Winter Solstice Festivals that used to take place at Tara School.
The day included morning verses, karakia, and songs, all thoughtfully integrated to honor the enriching rhythms of the Steiner-based curriculum. It was a special sight to see the children of the past students joining in and being actively part of the reunion ceremony.
In the afternoon, a very special visit to the old Tara School buildings, where the group were welcomed back to the land with a beautiful waiata under the tree where what was once the meeting point.
Honoring the land that is now Dharma Gaia, the wonderful team there, led the group of past teachers, students and families on a silent walk around the land. This was a beautiful opportunity to connect to the land again after many years.
A reunion photo taken on the old classroom gathering steps.
Stories and Reflections from Teachers and Students
Hear from some of the students, teachers of Tara School.
Tara School will always have a special place in my heart. To me, it wasn’t a school, but an extended family. It was a community that wrapped its arms around us all and made us feel safe to grow and learn at our own pace; to make mistakes without shame, guilt or embarrassment, and to always embrace the qualities of love, kindness, compassion, humility, empathy, courage, bravery, and forgiveness.
Throughout life, I have often called upon these qualities to help me through challenging times and I will be forever grateful for these life-long learnings.
Rata Drum (past student)
Tara School was a magical place where much fun, learning and growth happened for both children and adults. Coming to the reunion filled me with immense gratitude and appreciation. It was a heartfelt reminder of the deep connections we created years ago, seeing the familiar faces of the children we taught in the children of today was wonderful. The laughter, stories and memories of joys and challenges shared brought back the essence of what we experienced together. I left feeling deeply thankful for the Tara school community and the beautiful environment it existed in. The opportunity to come together was precious, allowing us to reminisce and reconnect. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped organise this special occasion and the delicious food.
Aroha nui, Pip (Tara School Kaiako/Teacher).
Tara School was a rite of passage for so many of us during those wonder-filled years of growth and learning. For teachers, parents and students alike, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to share an incredible journey together. The gift of receiving unconditional love and trust from the Tara School family will live within me for the rest of my life.
I offer my profound thanks to all those (now grown up) children, their parents (now mostly grand-parents) and colleagues (now mostly retired ) that travelled this path alongside me, and I especially thank Rainer & Shanti for their incredible generosity and vision for making it possible, for us all. Thank you also, to Rata for assembling our widespread Tara School family for this celebration, and the effort you put in to mark this special occasion.
With much love and gratitude, Stephen (Tara School Kaiako/Teacher)
A Tōtara tree was gifted from Dharma Gaia and was planted at the top of the old Tara School driveway. As the years pass, the Tōtara tree will continue to grow strong for future generations.
From the founders of Tara School
So deeply touching to see our old students, (their parents), and now also their young children; all three generations together. Standing under the tree they used to love to climb, which now holds the mindfulness bell of Dharma Gaia. Walking gently on the land, feeling the earth and hearing the sound of the stream where they all loved to play so many years ago. And once again being nourished by the beauty and serenity of nature here on the land and we could feel the magical energy of Tara School still tangible and alive in all of us. It was a very special and moving experience to be together again as a community and to feel the threads that still connect us all to each other and to the land.
With love and deep gratitude to all the whānau/families and Kaiako/teachers of Tara School.
In loving memory to Nick Prater, the very first original teacher of Tara School.
