Students at Greerton’s Greenpark School are already busily preparing for the fifth annual Easter Gala, which is being held next Thursday from midday.

“The gala is organised by the PTA and is a real highlight for our kids,” said principal Gareth Scholes. “They’ve come up with ideas for products or ideas for stalls and will run them on the day.”

Students also get to take part in games, raffles, and activities such as face painting, lucky dips, and the always popular “sponge the teacher” challenge. There will also be cake and food stalls.

“This is our biggest day in terms of community engagement,” Scholes sais. “We love seeing local early childhood centres, parents, and families come together to support our kura.”

The school is asking for rice and pasta that will be donated to charity organisation Bellyful Tauranga. Any funds raised during the gala will go directly into supporting the school. “Money from last year’s event contributed to a new playground,” Scholes said.

Raffle tickets for the Easter hamper draw are available online, and prize donations are still being accepted.

Greenpark School Easter Gala is midday-3pm Thursday, April 10.