Pet Day comes back at Hereworth

Hereworth’s Head Boy, Roark Zachary, has added a new event to the Term 3 calendar for the younger boys at the school — Pet Day — to raise funds for Hastings SPCA.

For Roark, who began at Hereworth as a five year old, pet day is one of his favourite memories from his years in the junior school. The event hasn’t been on the school’s calendar for several years, but Roark was determined to bring it back.

“This day is important to me because it is a great way for the seniors to interact with the juniors and share a fun event together,” he says.

Along with eight prefects, he has been developing a plan for the event, pitching it to the headmaster, talking with the SPCA, as well as approaching New World supermarket to sponsor a raffle prize.

The whole school is behind the initiative, with a mufti day and the school donating pet food to help the SPCA look after the animals in their care.

“This initiative, and the leadership Roark and the other boys have shown in driving it is a great example of the way we try to mix fun, responsibility and a concern for others into our life at Hereworth School,” says school chaplain, Reverend Alan Burnett.

On the day, there will be dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and lambs competing alongside their young owners for prizes for cuteness, best costume, most talented pet and ‘best in show’.

“Our school motto is Non Nobis Solum — Not for Ourselves Alone,” Roark says.

“We talk about what this means a lot, especially with Reverend Alan. Pet Day is just one of the ways we at Hereworth can think of others and support local charities.”

■ Hereworth School Pet Day, Friday, September 14, 8.20-10.30am. For more information contact Hereworth School on (06) 877 8138.