School plays it cool with fundraiser

A GOLD Coast school has gone to extreme lengths to keep its kids cool – and it’s not the only one.

Tired of their children boiling in the summer heat, the Benowa State School P&C Association is working to raise $130,000 so it can aircondition every classroom.

Association president Kyla Sippel said the upgrades were vital for schools due to rising temperatures and has been a key driver behind this week’s Benowa Mayfair fundraiser, a major event for the school.

“We do have a building fund which is voluntary but being a public school that didn’t get much traction,” Ms Sippel said.

“Events like the Mayfair are a huge effort but we believe it is necessary. Evidence shows temperature is rising across the board and the hotter it is, the harder it is for children to work at their optimum level.

“We can’t expect children to be at their capacity if we aren’t providing them with the proper infrastructure.

“We understand there are limitations in what a government can spend, but when it is a lack of a priority that is the frustration.”

The comments follow a Bulletin report in which Gold Coast City councillor William Owen-Jones called on the State Government to cough up more for city schools.

So far, Benowa State School has raised $23,000. Mayfair is on Friday from 2pm, with free entry and parking.