Shirley Intermediate School opened its doors in 1934 – part of the first national roll-out of intermediate schools (one Auckland School was a “middle school” for some years prior to this, but the term “intermediate school” was first used in an official capacity in 1934).
In 1934 the Shirley area was still mainly a farming and market gardening area with evidence of urban sprawl – thus the need for a new school.
The school was built on the site of a large pond, beside which was a sand dune measuring some 60m long. The reminder of these is perhaps evident in our main field every summer at which time the grass on a particular area of soil (in a shape resembling a pond?) dies off before Christmas, and stays that way until the autumnal rains.
The school has enjoyed a 75th Jubilee in 2009, attended by hundreds of ex-pupils, and ex-staff. Copies of the 75th Jubilee booklet are available for sale at the school office.