Overall winners of the inaugural Paparore School Pet and Agriculture Day 2022: Champion Pet went to Ava Whittaker with Molly, Reserve Champion Pet was won by Kaylee Dean with Boogs, and Champion Calf went to Claire Bagley with Crackle. Photo / Michelle Hammond
There was everything from blue sheep to rabbits to stuffed toys on display at a Far North school festival last week.
Paparore School's inaugural School Pet & Agriculture Day 2022 was held on Thursday, including a range of activities involving both live and inanimate objects.
All classrooms created their own unique displays dedicated to the occasion that were out on show for everyone to see.
First to kick off the day was the judging of the stuffed animal category, featuring Peter and Raewyn Jackson as judges.
Bostin Devan, 8, brought along his six-week-old Hereford cross calf Bunty, as well as his two-month-old lamb, Ruff, who was painted a brilliant blue.
Devan took both animals around the makeshift showground and obstacle course and said it was exciting to be able to bring his animals to school.
"These are my favourite pets, so it's really cool to bring them here today," he said.
The whole-school initiative was the third large event for Paparore School this year, which was keen to bring the community together after three long years of disruptions thanks to Covid-19.
Principal John Windleborn said the kaupapa was really all about creating a sense of fun and community among the school, students and whānau.
"While we've had smaller events like this one, this is the first one we've held on this scale, so it's exciting for our community," Windleborn said.
"Most of our kids are town kids, so don't have this experience with cows, sheep, goats etc.
"It also gives our rural kids an opportunity to showcase what they have and a fun way to show how to look after pets."
The next big event on the school's calendar is the annual Whānau Open Day event on November 19.
Winners of the 2022 Pet and Agriculture Day were as follows: