Lynmore Primary School auctions art to help others

Lynmore Primary School room four students Tamzin Joy, (left) 8, and Kate Staunton, 8, with their art that will go to auction. Photo / Stephen Parker

A local school is holding an art auction - with a charity that will help others in the Rotorua community set to receive the money.

Lynmore Primary School principal Lorraine Taylor said this year the school had changed its curriculum, with a focus on social action.

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

She said five classes were involved and each had chosen a different social action.

Room six, with Year 4 students, came up with the idea to "brighten someone's day".

This came about after learning about the diversity of Rotorua, in term one, including homelessness and poverty.

"The focus was knowing our community... we wanted [the kids] to know about different groups, different community groups and charities in Rotorua. We want [the kids] to know it is important to be good citizens," Ms Taylor said.

She said the children wanted to help others in the community and so decided to "literally" brighten someone's day by making art and selling it at auction.

Kevin Wu, 8, was painting bright orange and purple flowers.

He said the class decided the money raised should go to nationwide charity KidsCan, who support disadvantaged Kiwi kids, as "they support lots of schools in Rotorua".

Tamzin Joy, 8, said it felt good knowing their paintings would help others.

Teacher Angela Tapsell said her class of 24 had got behind the cause.

From 125 pieces of art, six from each of the five classes will be chosen for the auction, with the others part of the silent auction.

The auction will be held on July 5 at the Lynmore Primary School hall. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Viewing and silent bidding open from 12.30pm to 5.30pm with the auction beginning at 6pm.