School pulls above its weight

Remarkables Primary School and Naylor Love staff clashed in a friendly netball game on the Frankton school's newly-laid synthetic turf sports court recently, and a nail-biting 13-goal draw means the construction company will take on the pupils in a football match this Friday.

Pupils eagerly took turns to sound the visiting new St John Wakatipu ambulance's sirens and shouted their support for teachers and builders on its loudhailer.

Children presented St John Wakatipu ambulance officer Chris Marr with $100 towards the annual national "Flash-a-Light for St John" appeal.

The children triumphed over Naylor Love contractors in a tug-of-war contest.

The fun activities were held in the grounds of the $17.3 million school, which is scheduled to be completed for the start of term on Monday, July 19.

There are 79 year 1 and 2 pupils at the school, with two more expected to join this week.

Years 3 and 4 pupils would be inducted on July 19.

At least 81 new pupils were enrolled to begin in terms three and four.

Principal Debbie Dickson said all five learning pods, containing four learning spaces each, were completed and awaiting fitout.

"It's really just the finishing touches.

We're getting very excited to move into the administration block and the rest of the school."

Pupils have toured the block containing their new hall, library and multipurpose room.

More than 3000 new books were being stamped and barcoded for the library, to open next term.

Deputy prime minister and Clutha-Southland MP Bill English will officially open the school on Friday, August 27.

Queenstown businessman Sir Eion Edgar, founding chairman of Queenstown Resort College and former chancellor of the University of Otago, has been invited to be keynote speaker.

Ngai Tahu dignitaries are also expected to attend the ceremony.

School establishment board of trustees chairman Roy Thompson said all the classrooms were blessed by trustee Darren Rewi and were close to completion.

"We're rapt to be at this stage [with] very good numbers on the school roll."

The establishment board will hand over to an elected board on September 2, after the elections in August.

Nominations will be called for in July.

"Some of the existing board members will be putting their names forward," Mr Thompson said.

The school will be visited by delegates of the New Zealand Principals Federation Conference, being held for the first time in Queenstown, this week.

All Wakatipu primary schools were involved in welcoming the more than 500 principals anticipated from around Australasia.