A colourful and successful end of term for students at Paterangi

The colour run event at the school was held in efforts to raise money to go towards the junior playground. Photos / Caitlan Johnston

The last day of term one was a colourful and exciting one for students at Paterangi School.

The whole school participated in a colour-run in efforts to raise money to refurbish and upgrade the junior playground.

Their target was to raise $2500 but their efforts managed to pocket them over $8000.

School principal Mark Harrop says it is a remarkable achievement for a small school.

Students had to navigate their way through an obstacle course.

"Each student had the responsibility to collect pledges and donations for their participation in the colour run," says Mark.

"The school was blown away by the generosity of our whānau and wider community."

The refurbishment of the playground will begin straightaway and will include re-barking, installation of a shade and upgrades to equipment.

With the extra funding, Mark says they're going to see how far the upgrades can go.

"We know our little children would really love some swings so we will be looking into those as well," says Mark.

Students collected pledges and donations for their participation in the colour run.

Students had to navigate through challenging obstacles on the colour run including through army nets, over and under arches, riding a sled on a hill and sliding down a water slide.

Meanwhile teachers, volunteers and parents were throwing colour powders onto the children and they finished replicating a rainbow.

Mark says the success of the day is a credit to the school's Parent-Teacher Association, teachers and students.

They finished the run sliding down the water slide and looking like rainbows.

"We talk a lot about 'Paterangi Pride' and events like this are an excellent example of the strength of our school community," says Mark.

"I am proud of what we have achieved, the funds raised are well beyond what we predicted but also we hosted a fantastic day that was full of fun, laughter and bringing our community together which is a special part of who we are."