Push for playground cash

Waterslides, barbecues and more – Papakowhai School students are pitching in to fundraise for a new school playground.

Lisa Avery, who chairs the home and school committee, said students had been working hard to put together the $80,000 needed for a new playground.

‘‘The kids have really got on board with wanting to fundraise for the new playground,’’ she said. ‘‘ At every event they’re there helping out.’’

Discos, movie nights and ladies’ nights were just a few of the events being held to gather the cash.

Mrs Avery said construction could begin on the new playground by the end of the year.

More than $13,000 had been raised so far.

Deputy principal Shane Robinson said having fun places for children to play helped their learning.

‘‘If kids have adequate play spaces, when you get them back in the classroom they are much more focused,’’ he said.

Mr Robinson said the benefits of play for children included being challenged, increased confidence and healthy bodies.

He said he could remember the sense of achievement from being able to swing on the monkey bars when he was at school.

Mrs Avery said the next fundraising event for the school would be hosting children’s brain expert Dr Kathryn Berkett from the Brainwave Trust on March 27.