Renovations work wonders at Pahiatua
February 2011

Pahiatua Kindergarten is looking good following extensive renovations to its storeroom and bathroom, and the addition of a spacious locker area.

Resources are now more easily accessible to both teachers and children. They've even discovered puzzles they didn't know they had.

Head teacher, Julie, is delighted with the renovations saying "to have this much space is just beyond our wildest dreams".

Children are equally excited by the changes and eager to show off their new space.

Each child was encouraged to choose his or her own locker at the start of the term. Lockers have been labeled and children will be able to keep the same locker for the remainder of their time at kindergarten.

"Choosing their own locker and knowing they have their own special space here really promotes a sense of belonging", Julie said.

Building plans are displayed on the wall for parents to view and a couple of the children's fathers were part of the renovations team.

"One child's father was a builder and another's was the plumber, so children knew how the kindergarten was changing and even got to see it as it progressed", Julie said.

The renovations are the result of extensive fundraising and invaluable support from Ruahine Kindergartens general manager, Louise Bartholomew, and association president, Sarah Johnston-Ellis.

The Pahiatua teaching team would like to thank everybody for their support and look forward to making good use of their new space for years to come.

Above: Anton shows off his new locker space

Pahiatua flings into spring
October 2010

Planning for next year is already underway following Pahiatua Kindergarten's hugely successful Spring Fling, held October 16^th at Tui HQ.

The inaugural Fling attracted 155 guests and received overwhelming support as people and businesses donated time and goods for an auction extravaganza.

The evening's venue, staff and courtesy vans were kindly donated by the team at Tui HQ and the Pahiatua Volunteer Fire Brigade ensured everyone made it home safely.

Co-organiser and kindergarten committee fundraiser, Trish Rankin, described the Tui team as "extremely accommodating", saying, "The bright Tui colour scheme really brightened people's moods and contributed to the buzzing atmosphere".

Cowpat bingo kicked off the festivities with every ticket coming complete with two chances to win the $1,000 prize.

Bob the Bull's performance anxiety only added to the fun as St Anthony's school teacher, Judy Lea, was named the lucky winner.

Bids were both generous and entertaining when it came to auction time, with one Brazilian wax selling for $500.

The buffet meal was enjoyed by all and it wasn't long before local covers band, Murray's Tractor, had the dance floor filled.

In total, over $2,000 was raised for local community groups and around $8,000 was raised for Pahiatua Kindergarten renovations, due to start in two weeks time.

The team at Pahiatua Kindergarten would like to thank all those who got in behind the event to make it such a success.

Head teacher, Julie, described it as "an awesome evening" and is looking forward to a complete sell out in 2011.

Above: Wayne from the Professionals auctions off a day with the Tararua Heliworks crew with help from a Tui girl 

Spring Fling celebrates community spirit
September 2010

Pahiatua Kindergarten is preparing for a party as hosts of Pahiatua's inaugural Spring Fling to be held October 16^th at the Tui Brewery.

With a large kindergarten renovation project in the pipelines, the Pahiatua Kindergarten committee put their heads together to come up with a fantastic fundraiser and the Pahiatua Spring Fling was born.

Co-organiser and kindergarten committee fundraiser, Trish Rankin, describes the Spring Fling as "a combination of tried and true fundraising events". 

"It's a great way to bring Pahiatua's community groups together, do a bit of fundraising and celebrate the warmer seasons", she said.

Daisy the cow is gearing up to make one lucky ticket holder $1,000 richer by ‘patting' on their square in cowpat bingo. Other highlights of the evening include dinner, dancing and an auction extravaganza.

All proceeds will go towards Pahiatua Kindergarten renovations and other deserving community groups including the Toy Library, Plunket and Pahiatua Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Local businesses have been very supportive with donations of time, skills and goods for auction. 

The event is already proving popular with tickets in hot demand.

For those yet to obtain their tickets, they're available for sale for $45 each from Pahiatua Kindergarten.

Above: Children from Pahiatua Kindergarten promote the upcoming Spring Fling