More than 50 staff at Ashburton College had their years of service acknowledged during an inaugural celebration at the school last week.

Among them were Michelle Hosking (30 years), Marg Macpherson (30), Mary Buckland (30+), Liz Cabout (33), Dave Christensen (30+) and Helen Shore-Taylor (39).

Principal Simon Coleman, in an address to the school community, said the heart of the school was its people.

‘‘We recently took the opportunity to celebrate the long-serving staff who have dedicated many years to our students and community, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment,’’ he said.

In total 58 long-serving staff members were celebrated during a full-school assembly; 41 staff for contributing to the life and work of the college’s students and staff for 10-plus years, 11 for 20-plus years and the six for 30-plus years.

The recognition highlighted the range of experience at the school with about 200 staff including teaching, learning support assistants, caretakers and cleaners.

Members of each group received a memento relevant to their time at college which were presented by Board of Trustees presiding member Coby Snowden. This year, the college celebrates its 60th anniversary. It was formed in 1965 from the merger of Ashburton High School and Hakatere College.

Coleman said the crest, which featured a Phoenix, symbolised its history and ongoing growth.

‘‘Over the decades, our school has evolved with new facilities and initiatives, including the opening of the new Rangitata Block last year.’’

He said the chance to celebrate long-serving staff who had dedicated many years to the students and community was timely and the college was incredibly grateful for their commitment.

Full list of staff recognised:

30+ years: Michelle Hosking (30 years), Mary Buckland (30+), Liz Cabout (33), Dave Christensen (30+) and Helen Shore-Taylor (39). 20+ years: Jenny Crouchley (21 years), Delia Achten (21 years), Sheena Tyrrell (28 years), Stephen Diedricks (25 years), Clair Bedward (20 years), Anne Bowis (29 years), Sean Stephen (23 years), Brian Jones (24 years), Paul Severins (24 years), Nicky Lewis (22 years), Julie Hampton (22 years). 10+ years: Joanne Wakelin (12 years), Anne Sheehan (17 years), Sandy McNeill (19 years), Heena Shah (12 years), Jemma Hurst (15 years), Greta Hampton (16 years), Stacey Monk (13 years), Jess Bennett (17 years), Michael Clark (17 years), Kay Rotch (11 years), Rosalyn Rhodes (11 years), Claire Sheed (11 years), Sandra McLennan (19 years), Kirsty Moffett (14 years), Jayne Cornelius (18 years), Jenni Watson (18 years), Hiromi Horsley (11 years), Andrew Shepherd (14 years), Angela Mitchell (13 years), Kent Slocombe (10 years), Jason Vannini (13 years), Cezarne Rodgers (18 years), Jane Sargent (17 years), Charlie Kelland (10 years), Julie Tyson (13 years), Liz Carrick (16 years), Margie Dwyer (13 years), Jo Keen (12 years), Deirdre Lourie (10 years), Anna Rimmer (10 years), Hayley Court (11 years), Warren Reid (11 years), Cheryl Hardy (11 years), Vicky Poole (12 years), Jenny Kelleher (12 years), Richard Horrell (13 years), Champa Maharjan (13 years), Mandy Harrison (13 years), Robyn Harrion (14 years), Tiipene Philip (16 years), Genevieve Kirwan (16 years).