Te Kowhai welcomes windfall

Everyone is winning from a community loyalty scheme which generated $100,000 for Te Kowhai School.

Te Rapa New World owner-operator Chris Grace recently handed over the bumper bonus to school principal Tony Grey.

The principal says the windfall funds come as the school plans three new classrooms to accommodate a growing roll. Te Kowhai School has 350 pupils.

"Because of our restricted site, the new classrooms will impact on our existing playground space.

"Not only will the money help with upgrading our E-learning facilities, we will need funds to assist with furniture, landscaping and new playgrounds.

"We are a decile 10 school which means we get less funding in some areas. The funds will cover some shortfalls in Ministry of Education backing."

Tony says extra finance means the basic provision can be resourced to a higher level.

"Despite our rating, we still rely on school donations from parents and other fundraising activities."

He says the loyalty scheme with Te Rapa New World was a win-win for the supermarket, school and parents.

"I am sure Chris Grace welcomes the support we give his business. That generates Fly Buys points and grocery vouchers. The school sells on the vouchers at discounted rates - and everyone wins."

He says the extra bonus is the school can offer the best learning facilities to its students and community.

Te Kowhai has registered predictable and regular growth as lifestyle blocks and subdivisions have opened up during the past decade.

Tony says the school has welcomed 10 to 15 new students annually for some years.