Alan Goodyear "The Old Boy"

When you walk into the junior classrooms at Katikati Primary School, the energy is unmistakable. Children are laughing, playing, and learning all at once with their colourful new Numicon maths equipment. Behind the scenes of this joy is a story of generosity that began more than 80 years ago, when a young boy named Alan Goodyear walked through the school gates.

Today, Alan is known affectionately as "The Old Boy” - fit as a fiddle and full of community spirit. Through a fund he established with the Acorn Foundation in 2017, Alan is supporting maths, science, remedial reading programmes and kapa haka at Katikati Primary School. His giving is helping to ensure that local children have every chance to thrive.

Deputy Principal Anne Morriss says Alan’s support has been transformational.

“We have wanted to introduce Numicon into the Year 1 and 2 classes for the past few years. With Alan’s support our dream is now a happening thing. Staff are already seeing the benefits and the children are totally absorbed in the fun, colourful equipment that makes learning literally like child’s play.”

Alan recently visited the school to see the Numicon programme in action. He was delighted to watch the New Entrants confidently working with shapes, rods, and activities that make learning maths both fun and intuitive. Teachers say they are already seeing gains in children’s understanding of numbers and sequencing.

For Alan, the joy is in seeing the difference his giving makes. His fund will continue to resource learning opportunities at the school long into the future, meaning generations of students will benefit from his generosity.

“It’s about giving back to the place that gave me so much. I get great pleasure seeing the children learning and enjoying it.”

Thank you, Alan, for your aroha and care for your local community and the future of our tamariki, ngā mihi nui.