Whenuapai School Kids lose their Playgrounds

What is a school without a playground?

The playground is where friendships are formed. Where imaginations flourish. Where kids learn about sharing, cooperation and skills that will set them up for life.

At Whenuapai School both our playgrounds are well loved, and are used constantly during the school term, on weekends and during school holidays. In winter, when the fields are closed, the playgrounds are essential for helping our children burn off their energy.

In March 2019, a professional playground audit was undertaken by Playsafe on Whenuapai Primary’s two playgrounds. The audit identified areas of high, medium and low risk, with key components having worn out, and it was deemed necessary to close the playgrounds completely under Health and Safety law.

At this stage Whenuapai School is looking into either repairing or fully replacing the playgrounds, however this will require more money than a few sausage sizzles and mufti days can fundraise for. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA ) need your help to give the kids back their playgrounds. The sooner, the better.

Anything you can donate will be hugely appreciated because as our principal, Raewyn Matthys-Morris said, the playgrounds are the heart and soul of our school.