Big bang funds focus on new entrants

Just as fireworks need a spark, so does a love of learning – and that is the target for funds raised at Marlborough’s largest annual fireworks display this year.

Marlborough Lines Lights over Marlborough explodes to life on Saturday, November 15 with a festive atmosphere of food, fun, music and fireworks at A&P Park, benefitting Whitney Street School’s new entrants.

Whitney Street School principal Christee Dalzell Whitney Investment Collective (WINC) member and Caz Young believe the “cross between a festival and a picnic” allows Whitney Street School to target areas of need they see within the school community.

“Marlborough Lines Lights over Marlborough is an annual opportunity for whanau to come along and let the kids go and have some independent fun for a while, make their way around the stalls, presenting the largest stage yet for our local young entertainers from Marlborough Boys’, Richmond View School and Six Strings Music School”, says Caz.

“We’re incredibly lucky as a school to have this unique fundraiser passed down from the days on the back field to now having an eager, ever-renewing bunch of parents who are keen to inherit such a massive yearly project”, adds Christee.

“Whitney Street families are so generous with their time this time of year putting their hands up with expertise - I’m so pleased to have Caz for the next decade if we don’t drive her away”, she laughs.

“Many of our longtime local whanau remember that it started as a Guy Fawkes burning on the back field, but now with the size of the event and our 12 heritage trees we couldn’t risk it here, so A&P Park is a fantastic host.”

This year’s focus sees funds going towards a Loose Parts Play area – allowing open-ended play with physical materials for new entrants in a way that strengthens key competencies needed in that transition.

“A Loose Parts Play area develops creativity, problem-solving, communication and collaboration, confidence and fine motor skills”, Christee explains.

“We have a big old playground out there, from five-year-olds to 11-year-olds, so this allows our littlest ones somewhere they can safely and happily adapt into Whitney Street and school life in general.

“It’s becoming increasingly obvious that the first few months of school are crucial to generating a child’s love of learning and therefore becoming an involved learner by supporting a smooth transition to the formal environment of primary school.”

Christee and Caz are glad they’re able to rely on the wider school community and make it more professional each year.

“I’m quietly looking forward to driving around in our official golf carts as I am for the fireworks”, laughs Caz.

“But within our Whitney Street community we’re blessed with so many talented people, from sound engineers to project managers”, adds Christee.