Castlecliff School focuses on whānau as they collect cans for a cause in Whanganui

There are cans galore set out on the wooden stage in Castlecliff School's hall.

Among them there is everything from baked beans and spaghetti to canned fruit and vegetables.

They have been carefully placed together to form letters which spell the word 'whānau' - a word which has high significance within the school on Polson St.

It has been done as part of Wattie's Cans for Good, which is a cause that encourages students to collect, educate, create and donate.

Castlecliff School library manager Nina Miller said that it is fantastic.

"It fits in with our mana values that are at the heart of everything we do at school," Miller said.

"Our students chose the whānau theme because it gave them a chance to get involved with the community, for our school whānau to show aroha to the rest of Whanganui."

The ace lit kids from left to right: Delia Clare, Ryleigh Burgess, Bella-Maria Dahya, Megan Marvelly, Isabella Winiata and Lucabella Rust. Photo / Stuart Munro

The school had what they call their 'ace lit kids' go from class to class talking about the importance of the cause and encouraging their fellow students to get on board.

They collected 238 cans for the cause, which will be collected and distributed to those in need by The Salvation Army, which has partnered with Watties for 25 years.

"That is our record so far, I'm thrilled with the effort and so thankful to everyone for getting involved," Miller said.

"Watties also generously donate cans to supplement what is collected by schools."

The cause runs from August 13 until August 24 and there are two competitive components to it which are can label design and can construction.

This week, the students will upload a video to the Watties Facebook page featuring their can construction in an effort to win a sports or art supply voucher worth $500.

Miller said that the students were very excited about it.

"There are only a small number of Whanganui schools involved and we're determined to keep our involvement going because it's a fabulous vehicle for our children.

"They see what being a part of a community means and what it means to help other within it."

Last year, Castlecliff School was one of 229 schools and kindergartens that participated in an effort that collected 92,000 cans.