School, public building opened

The close-knit Waihola community celebrated the official opening of a new multi-purpose building which will be a core feature of its school and also a focal point for the township.

More than 100 people braved wintry conditions to be entertained by Waihola District School pupils and hear how the school, the Waihola Looking Forward committee and others joined forces to create the new building.

The building will eventually house a library and be used by the school on a daily basis.

The school and community library committee also used the occasion to sign a memor andum of agreement with the Clutha District Council. The agreement will allow a com munity library to be established there.

School principal Sara Whitaker said the new facility would will give the 41-pupil school opportunities to grow and strengthen its links with the wider community.

Waihola Looking Forward which contributed more than $70,000 towards the project bought the land from the council and donated it for the site next to the school grounds.

Group chairman Stu Michelle said the community should be proud of what was a great asset for the town.

Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes said Waihola had every right to feel proud of the building. He said it was great to see such a strong example of school and community spirit working together.

‘‘This is a wonderful asset... we are all very proud of what's happening in Waihola,'' Mr Hayes said.

The school's youngest pupil Callum Davie (5), and a long standing Waihola resident Betty Bungard, combined to cut the ribbon, formally marking the building's opening. Mr Michelle and Waihola teacher Robyn Lunn cut the commemorative cake.