Students enjoy first gala day
Sun shines for Pembroke School’s fundraiser
The sun wasn’t nearly as bright as the smiles of all the Pembroke School pupils who attended the school’s first gala day. The event, which took place on Saturday, November 11, raised $8000. Principal Wendy Single says the nice weather added to the day’s success.
“The sun came out and added that final touch to a good first gala for Pembroke School. Our school is all about embracing our rural school heritage and creating a place for our community to come together. The gala day did just that.”
The funds raised will go towards learning resources, she says.
“Local businesses supported us. A huge thank you from us all for people supporting our school and ensuring that we can continue to provide a quality learning environment for our students through the funds we have raised.”
The morning started with the school’s annual calf and lamb event. Leah Pease, 6, and her calf Stacey won the Armstrong Cup for overall junior calf, first in junior rearing and second in junior leading.
“I’m so happy I won. It feels good.” Leah says she enjoys spending time with Stacey.
“I wash and brush her, feed her, walk her on a lead and give her lots of cuddles.”
She says each pupil played a part in the day’s success, with the senior pupils organising gala day games. Games included hooking toy ducks for a prize, knocking over cans and running Central Taranaki’s Young Farmers’ Dunk the Clown activity.
The games weren’t the only highlight, Wendy says, with plenty of carnival-themed food like candyfloss and lollies and extra activities like bouncy castles, hair braiding and temporary tattoos.
“Our school community really came together and worked hard to ensure that the day was a success, the smiles on people’s faces and the wonderful atmosphere were a great reward for the effort. We have had so much positive feedback it has been heartening to know that everyone enjoyed themselves.”
She says the gala will become an annual event on the school’s calendar.
“We all enjoyed it and are already planning for next year’s gala.”