Dannevirke: Animal army invades Weber School

Dougal Bradford (left), Ritchie Williams, Mya Prendergast, Grace Haliburton, George Prouting, Arna Williams, Hester Bradford and Abby McIntyre. Photo/Christine McKay

They're a bit crackers about animals at Weber School, which is only to be expected as most of the pupils live on farms.

But last Friday, the school's 65 pupils took their animal attraction to the next level when tigers, horses, elephants, a donkey and a dragon or two trotted through the school gate. There to greet them were a myriad of feathered friends, frisky felines, a cute baby panda, a sloth and a deer which had escaped from the hills.

But everyone was on their best behaviour as a pig cuddled up to a little tiger and rats played with the dogs.

Inspired by the tooth fairy, aka Shannon Phillips the school dental nurse, the Weber School council decided on a different way to raise money for a charity close to their heart - the Dannevirke SPCA.

The pupil-run school council says they are always willing to raise money for a good cause, with one pupil Josie Free an SPCA volunteer.

"It's really neat place to work and the animals are so friendly," she said. "Every one of the volunteers at the SPCA do an amazing job."

For teacher Karen Phelps, the fundraising day was just one of the ways Weber School stands out.

"As a school we're competitive, but compassionate as well," she said. "The children have their curriculum learning, but also realise how important it is to contribute to others."

Brenda Pender, the Dannevirke SPCA inspector, said the fundraising day raised the profile of her volunteer-run organisation.

"The costumes are so cool too," she said.