The PTA and staff of Takapuna Primary School were planning a return of the hugely successful Vintage Carnival which launched last year. It soon became clear that due to Covid-19 this would not be possible for 2020. Our kids had heard the words 'cancelled' or 'postponed' too often, so they came together to problem solve. Was there a way for them to still have their carnival, even if no one else could come in?

School Principal Devika Tagg says, “We wanted to do something special for our children that we wouldn’t need to cancel (unless we were in lockdown mode)”. They came up with the idea of an in-school Kids Only Carnival - about the kids and for the kids! An amazing moment/day to remember, especially for the Year 6 children in their last year of primary school. 

The teaching staff also used the carnival day as inspiration for planning maths programmes in financial literacy and an English focus on advertising. The students got involved in planning many of the activities. 

The day was filled with fun and laughter and showed a community focused on its kids. Mā te pā ka taea te whakatipu te tamaiti ~ It takes a village to raise a child. Along with the traditional carnival food (thanks to sponsors Kimberley Harpur from  Harcourts Cooper & Co, New World Metro, and The Old Lolly Shop), the children enjoyed an inflatable bouncy obstacle course, races, crafts, games, a balloon room, danced and sang to a performance by The Auckland Youth Steel Orchestra, and many other exciting activities. The teachers and PTA entered into the spirit of the day and joined the children in bright fancy dress & wacky hair! Takapuna Primary values and is always looking to partner with businesses in the local community. Together we can make a difference in the lives of all the children at Takapuna Primary.