MRS MCKEE’S SCHOOL

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27920, 17 March 1956, Page 2

MRS MCKEE’S SCHOOL

REUNION OF FORMER PUPILS “A HOME WITH AN ATMOSPHERE ” A reunion of former pupils of Mrs McKee's School was held recently at Elizabeth House. Mrs McKee's School first opened in 1896 at “Hawthornden” as a day and boarding school for girls. When Mrs McKee’s own elder children began to enter professional life, she was ready for a new venture, and in 1900 moved to “Inveresk,” formerly a large private house opposite St. Paul’s Church in Cashel street. The house was at one time St. Paul's manse. It was said that the school was more than a school—it was “a home with an atmosphere.” By 1905 •‘lnveresk” had become too small and the school was moved to Avonside and became known as Avonside Girls’ College. In 1909, the school again moved, to “Merridon” in Merivale, and finally closed in 1913. Old pupils of the school have vivid and lasting memories of Mrs McKee’s powerful and charming personality. She was a gracious Irishwoman, hospitable and kind. She had a great influence on the lives of her pupils. Remembered Teachers Teachers that pupils remember with affection and gratitude are the late Miss McKee, who afterwards had her own school at Ashburton; Miss Jenny McKee, who later taught at Avonside Girls’ High School; the late Miss Jessie Mackay, a New Zealand poet, who taught English literature at “Inveresk” and at Avonsjde College; Miss Helen McKee (now Mrs Dickson); Miss Sara McKee, who inherited many of her mother’s characteristics and much of her grace and understanding; Miss Gruer and Miss Waterston; Mr Tankard, the physical instrucor; Mr Hogg, a nephew of Mark Twain, who coached in latin; Miss Ellen Smith, who taught lace-making and fine sewing: Mr Menzies Gibb, who taught painting; and Mr Hershberg. who taught music. “'he forty-three former pupils who attended the reunion enjoyed renewing old friendships and the pleasure of having Mrs Dickson and Miss Sara McKee with them.