Irish theme for gala

The community is invited to Pukerua Bay School next week to find the luck of the Irish at its St Patrick’s Day Gala.

School principal Mary Jones said this year’s gala would boast more fun and activities than in years past. Money from the gala was earmarked for purchasing ICT equipment, in particular classroom laptops.

‘‘ This equipment

will

help inspire the 21st century learners we are cultivating in this school.’’

Ms Jones said the students and staff were going ‘‘all out’’ this year in terms of entertainment and activities, which included paintball targets, medieval sword fighting for kids, an inflatable kid-apillar, train rides, bouncy castle, a dunking machine, waterslide and horse riding.

‘‘ We’re lucky to have Uncle Monkey providing live entertainment for people to listen to inbetween bargain hunting.’’

The food court this year will include Polish hot dogs, a gourmet barbecue, coffee cart and a tearoom. All the usual stalls will be open for business and include toys, clothing, bric-a-brac, books and a silent auction.

Last year the gala raised $28,000 which is being spent on resurfacing the school’s hard court areas.

‘‘This is really impressive for such a small school of 162 children and indicates the level of support for the school in the community.’’

The gala is on Saturday, March 17 from 11am.

Three little leprechauns: Getting into the spirit of the gala are six-year-old Pukerua Bay School students, from left, Anya Down, Isobel Reece and Stella Gould.