However, with dozens of excited children eager to see and hold the school's cherished cat, the 15-year-old mascot disappeared again during the lunch break. She was found hiding under room 11 and came out at dinner time, school caretaker and Wickie's carer, Stuart "Podge" Cochrane, said.
Wickie's return was a complete surprise. She had lived all her 15 years at the school until she disappeared on January 4 and no sign had been seen of her since, Mr Cochrane said. Last week, the difficult decision was made to tell the children their cherished pet was probably dead.
"They were very upset."
A teacher drew a memorial picture, which was framed and hung in the entrance to the school's office.
"Then a boy came running up to me this morning saying he had found Wickie," Mr Cochrane said.
Fearing he would have to dig a grave, he asked where she was only to be told the cat was "in a cage at the vet".
Someone had found her on Lower Shotover Rd and took her to the veterinary clinic.
Although the staff at the clinic said Wickie had been "a bit light" on arrival, she was given a clean bill of health and had regained her lost weight.
