Recorded means by which the school community raised the funds are: canvassing the neighbourhood for subscriptions, holding an entertainment, and a jumble sale.
Details below for inspiration for historical re-enactment of any of these, which modern-day funders might be persuaded to see as admirable initiative, even if just as publicity stunts.
Any volunteers for club-swinging?
High Street School Committee Annual Meeting of Householders ODT 21 April 1904
The committee intends to get a good iron fence erected round the school during 1905 if it gets the householders' support, and this it is assured of. When finished the school and grounds will be something to be proud of, and your committee will congratulate itself that its labour of love has not been in vain. [Similar sentiments will prevail 115 years later when we pull off the refurbishment!]
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19040528.2.22
Evening Star, Evening Star, Issue 12208, 28 May 1904
SCHOOL CONCERTS
An entertainment in aid of the ground improvement fund of the High street School was given last night in the Gymnasium Hall, which was well filled, the juvenile element predominating.
The Mornington Band, under Bandmaster Smith, played outside for half an hour prior to the opening, and four of their members (Messrs Smith, Grenfell, Simpson, and Green) took part in the concert programme, their share of it being a pleasing quartet and two solos.
Mr E. Black's comic song was encored. Miss Cooper and Miss V. M'Farlane each sang very sweetly, Mr Dall gave a nice rendering of an old song, and Miss Major's exhibition of club-swinging and the dumbbell exercises by some small boys from one of her classes in the school were deservedly applauded.
Mr Trevena was quite at home in his sleight-of-hand business, Miss Rosa La Venda (a juvenile impersonator) had to supplement her first item, and the gramaphone selection by Mr C. J. Payne, being new and good, were much enjoyed.
Rodda Perry (of the Alhambra Theatre), who was announced to appear, being indisposed, Mr Ben Fuller gave the services of Mr Walter Melrose (another member of the company), whose spirited rendering of 'The old sunny window' called forth the inevitable encore.
Mr H. Austing played all the accompaniments in a finished manner.
Mr Walker, chairman of the Committee, who presided, in thanking the performers for their services and the householders for their patronage, stated that the proceeds of the entertainment would be applied to the erection of an iron fence, the cost of which would be nearly £2OO. [NB According to the Reserve Bank inflation calendar, this is $72,841.40 — about half the cost of refurbishment today]
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19041130.2.76
Evening Star, Evening Star, Issue 12364, 30 November 1904
HIGH STREET SCHOOL JUMBLE SALE
A meeting of tho Committee and teachers of the High street School was held last evening, when matters pertaining to the jumble sale were fully discussed. It was decided to have the sale on the 9th prox,, and a concert in the evening, Reports from the teachers showed that the children were working very keenly in the interests of the school, and had formed themselves into committees to obtain articles for the various stalls. A member of the Committee reported that subscriptions from residents in the district were coming in very satisfactorily, and that arrangements had been made for a thorough and vigorous canvass, whereby the necessary funds for the purpose of improvements (school fence, etc.) would be assured. The enthusiasm displayed augurs very well for the success of the jumble sale.