[7] While the boys were doing fortnightly cadet drills, the girls were able to choose from a wide variety of clubs including "art, embroidery, dressmaking, cooking, typing, singing and talks on Maori history".

School concerts began in 1957, and the 1958 show included "a play, singing, musical items gymnasts and ballet dancing" with skilful guitar accompaniment from Peter Posa, a student at the time who later went on to become internationally acclaimed as a guitarist.

It was noted in a local newspaper that while there was a strong focus on academic training, there was also a "husbandry course...[which included]...general agriculture and horticulture, supported by carpentry, metal-work, blacksmithing and farm bookkeeping".

[9] The 'Woolcott' Library developed from an empty room in 1953 to a free-standing building that was opened in 1971 with students transporting "thousands of books to their new home in a mammoth effort amid much good humour".

A local television presenter John 'Cocksy' Cocks joined forces with Ford New Zealand, Variety, the Children's Charity and celebrities Bob Harvey, Ewen Gilmour and contestants from the NZ Idol TV show, to do a 'makeover' of the centre in 2006.

[11] The grand opening, was a procession of around 150 guests, including TVNZ presenter Simon Dallow in strange vehicles, collecting donations and bringing "loud sirens, horns, music and water canons...[and there was]...even an RAF helicopter on the front field".

Also including extra tennis and netball courts, this was part of an ambitious project led by Purcell to improve academic performance through physical activity.

[12]The pitch, which had floodlights, was seen by the principal at the time Mike Purcell as being a community resource and Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod acknowledged that "it was a great move by the school and I think they'll see their players grow and achieve".

Waitākere Ward Councillor Linda Cooper said "this [was] another amazing facility that westies deserve, can enjoy and be proud of, and has been a dream of the Waitakere Hockey Turf Trust for over a decade".

The buildings were in the style of "garden pavilions... structures that were popular in 18th and 19th century England, designed to enhance the landscape", and the Principal, Mike Purcell said he was "very pleased with the outcomes generated by our involvement with the School of Architecture and Planning.

[15] A successful application by the school in 2018 to The Trusts Community Foundation for $35,045 to buy a van, allowed more students to be transported to extra-curricular activities that offered opportunities in sports, music and the arts.

[19] Other notable ex-pupils attending were Phil Clarke, Richie Guy, motor racing champion Paul Radisich, Silver Fern netballer Leonne Wendt Leaver, Timo Tagaloa and Leo Lafaiali'i.

The former Mayor of the Henderson Borough Council, Assid Corban, donated a home movie he had of the school's opening day in February 1953.

[20] When the founding principal Mr Woolcott announced that he was retiring at the end of 1964 a local newspaper reported that amongst the many successes of the school were high levels of achievement in sport, strong programmes in the Arts and drama and pupils who had gained a wide range of professional qualifications.

Mary Harrison, the president of the Henderson High School Association said she was "delighted with the response from people all over the country...[and forecasted]...an interesting and enjoyable weekend to suit most tastes".

He was welcomed to Henderson High with a Māori ceremony, a guard of honour and the presence of several Members of Parliament and other local dignitaries including the Mayor Assid Corban.

[25] Hoskin became principal of the school in 1998 and in March of that year, it was planned to complete an upgrade of the staffroom, administration area, classrooms, gymnasium and pool.

Performing arts continued to develop a higher profile at this time with a musical, hip-hop dance competition and the starting of the Rock School in 2007.

[7] Mike Purcell took over as principal in June 2010 after returning from coaching and training with some of the world's top tennis players in London, and this along with the fact that his son had represented New Zealand in the sport, had confirmed the importance of having a strong work ethic and striving for goals was essential for young people.