Big smiles at school's new look playground

From left, pupil Tahumatua Mihinui with teacher Jennifer Montgomery, Jack Hourigan, Gillian Hughes, Sherie Collins and Nicky Brell. Photo / Stephen Parker

An "old, dysfunctional playground" has been transformed into a bright and attractive place to be for a group of Kea St School pupils.

Kea St principal Sherie Collins said the new playground behind the school's satellite classes at Malfroy School would make a big difference for those attending the class.

She said the board of trustees had approved the upgrade of the playground last year, and it was installed over the holidays ready for the pupils when they returned to school for term four.

"They had a really old dysfunctional playground and now they have this lovely playground."

Kea St School is made up of five classrooms at its "base" with six satellite classrooms at various schools around the city and in Taupo.

"Younger children go to those satellite classrooms and then come to the base school."

She said the new playground better catered for the pupils.

"It offers the children more challenging, fun activities and is a lot more user friendly."

Ms Collins said it was fantastic to see the joy on the faces of those using the new playground.