Tibbs Grave Restoration Project

James William Tibbs is an important figure in the history of Auckland Grammar School. He was the Headmaster of Auckland Grammar School between 1893 - 1923 and is the namesake of Tibbs House, the Grammar boarding hostel.

Further insite into Tibbs' career as an educator is relayed in An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock.

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/tibbs-james-william-cmg

"Teaching was more than a profession to Tibbs; it was a vocation. As headmaster, he inculcated a sharp sense of responsibility in his boys. Each one, he believed, had a unique contribution to make to the life of a great school and through this to the wider community. His knowledge of boys and their problems was profound and gentle; he was deeply loved for his own intellectual gifts, and especially for his genuine regard – even affection – for his individual pupils."

It is now over 90 years after his death, and the tradition of James Tibbs still evokes respect and admiration in a generation who never knew the man himself.

The memorial at the site of Tibbs' grave was originally put in place by the School and the Old Boys' community and has recently been discovered to be in complete disrepair.

We do not know how the current state of the site came about as at various points in time routine maintenance had been carried out on it by Old Boys and the family.

The Association seeks the support of the Grammar community to contribute a little each so we might continue to preserve this important part of the School's history.

$6,800.00 is needed to;

1) Uplift the existing base and reset it in position to make it level.

2) Clean and reback the existing inscription on base.

3) Install a new honed granite celtic cross on existing base.

If Old Boys and their families could consider a donation, this memorial would be restored. In this lead up to Auckland Grammar School's 150th Anniversary in 2019, this initiative touches upon all we as Old Boys are dedicated to in preserving Grammar's heritage.