Lynmore Primary School art auction raises $2600 for charity

COMMUNITY: Lynmore Primary School's Charlotte Haimona Samuel (left), 8, Billinda Connolly-Tevendale, Andrea Tapsell, principal Lorraine Taylor and Nirai Raureti-Mikaere. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

A Rotorua primary school has raised $2600 for local disadvantaged kids.

Lynmore Primary School's public art auction last month showcased five classes' artworks.

Principal Lorraine Taylor said it was an amazing evening, with money raised for nationwide charity KidsCan which supports disadvantaged Kiwi kids.

A giant cheque will be presented to a representative from KidsCan at the school assembly on Friday.

"The community was so generous, I got quite tearful. The Professionals [McDowell Real Estate] and Charles Sturt who did the auction were amazing and got the atmosphere going, and they were really supportive. It was a huge credit to the organising team," Ms Taylor said.

She said the school would definitely do another auction.

"It was a real community effort. Other schools, who are helped out by KidsCan have been in touch."

She said the quality of the kids' artwork was fantastic.

In June Ms Taylor told the Rotorua Daily Post the auction was put on because the school had changed its curriculum, with a focus on social action.

Lynmore Primary School room four students Tamzin Joy, 8, (left) and Kate Staunton, 8, with their art for the auction. PHOTO/FILE

"We wanted [the kids] to learn and make a difference with their new knowledge."

Charlotte Haimona Samuel, 8, said her favourite part was the technique of finger dabbing the class used to make their floral paintings.

She said her mum had bought her artwork and it was displayed on her fridge at home.

Nirai Raureti-Mikaere, 9, said his mum also bought his artwork and has it displayed in her study.

He said he went along to the auction and had a good night, and really enjoyed getting the paints out to make the art.

Teacher Andrea Tapsell said doing the auction taught the children the concept of giving back to the community.

"At the auction the parents were competitive, with several outbid."

As team leader for Year 4, Miss Tapsell said her team had been "absolutely awesome" putting on the event.

"It was a great night."