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School Profile

History
The school is on land formerly owned by Sir John McKenzie. The McKenzie Education Foundation, founded in 1966 by Roy McKenzie, son of Sir John and Lady McKenzie, purchased “Roydon Lodge” the homestead and woodland setting of 2 hectares from the estate. The property was offered to the Education Department to establish a school for children with emotional and learning problems who were at risk in their home, school and wider community.

The Disturbed Childrens’ Aid Movement and its founder, Mrs Jean Price, did much to arouse local and Government interest in the project and two years later, the Government accepted the responsibility for establishing and running the school which was opened by the Hon. H J Walker on February 5 1971.

Through Sir Roy McKenzie, the school enjoyed a close link with the McKenzie family until his death in September 2007.

Assistance and Support
McKenzie is assisted and supported by the Ministry of Education, Group Special Education , Social Workers involved with our pupils, local schools and their staff and a variety of individuals and groups within the community.

The Disturbed Childrens’ Aid Movement has supported McKenzie throughout its existence. During that time the DCAM has raised money from a variety of sources to totally fund, or contribute towards a number of projects for the school. Many of these projects have provided permanent resources for the school. These projects include the school hall, the covering of the swimming pool, the purchase of kayaks and lifejackets for the outdoor education programme, the printing of the school’s information package, the hall seating, the shade house, the purchase of the digital camera and the making of the school video.

Facilities

HOMESTEAD
Offices, staff room, conference room, kitchen and dining room, parent
accommodation.

DORMITORY BLOCK
Four dormitories, offices, ablutions, storage, laundry, sick bay, Time Out room.

RECREATION COMPLEX
Gym, games room and art studio.

SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Four classrooms, offices, resource room, study, library and Time Out room.

SCHOOL HOUSE
Accommodation for four pupils and two live-in caregivers.

GROUNDS
Adventure playground, tennis court, BMX track, artificial cricket wicket and football field, a covered swimming pool and shade area. The grounds are well set out with many fine trees.