During the Annual Convention of the New Zealand Deaf Societies on Labour Weekend Games in 1955, a full-day picnic was organised at Waihora Park Domain, in Motukarara. The day involved socialising and catching up with old friends, lots of food, fireworks, and rock and roll dancing! Running races follow, including some novel versions of sack-race running, and a group-three-legged race. On the Friday prior to the Convention was the formal 75th celebrations of van Asch, where three hundred former pupils gathered to celebrate the landmark anniversary for the school.