Titirangi Primary School is eagerly awaiting the installation of a brand-new shade sail. Thanks to the help of the Your West Support Fund, the tatty, worn-out old version has been retired. The concrete fittings have been poured, and the new sail will be installed this term.
Founded in 1872, Titirangi Primary School is integral to the village-like local community. ‘We celebrated our 150th-anniversary last year,’ explains Principal Andrea Thomas. She says the school started in a farm shed before moving to its current location on Atkinson Road in 1935. ‘Many of the original school buildings are now heritage protected,’ says Andrea.
Titirangi Primary School currently has 445 children on the roll in years 0-6. And alongside the core subjects of reading, writing and maths, the school has a rich extra-curricular programme. Tamariki get to enjoy many exciting activities, including kapa haka, music, dance, football, netball, rugby and much more.
The spectator grandstand seating is a focal point for the school community and is always in demand. Parents, whānau, and children come together to enjoy performances and events. And children also use the seating at lunchtime.
However, the existing shade sail was no longer up to the job. Several years old, the shade was past its sell-by date.
Protecting children from the sun’s harsh rays is a priority at the SunSmart school. And now the whole school community is set to benefit from the brand-new shade sail. The school received $5,000 from the 2022 round of the Your West Support Fund to buy the new shade.
‘The grandstand bleacher seats are important to our school community,’ says Andrea. ‘From athletics day to family picnics, the seating area allows spectators to join in the fun and cheer on the children,’ she adds. Furthermore, Andrea says it’s essential to wider community events, such as the popular school gala.
Everyone at the school has welcomed the new sail. Now children and whānau can participate in the rich diversity of school events while staying sun safe.
