Tea Gardens students shine as Easter tradition continues Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - April 13, 2023 Students parading for Easter with families looking on. SCHOOL and community were the focus as students at Tea Gardens Public School honoured the age-old tradition of the Easter Hat Parade on Thursday, 7 April. Prior to the parade, schoolkids were all excited by the prospects of the parade and prizes, no doubt invigorated by the fact that they were all in mufti, owing to it being the last day before their much-anticipated Easter and school holidays. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The dynamic autumn weather was hardly an issue as the school’s 148 students paraded in their specially-made hats underneath the COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) at midday, with plenty of parents and family members watching on. “The Easter Hat Parade is one of the longest traditions at the school,” Principal Mark Clemson told News Of The Area. “It’s all about taking opportunities to build community and school culture,” Mr Clemson added, informing NOTA that the school’s catchment includes the communities of Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, Pindimar, Bundabah, as far south as Karuah, and as far north as Nerong. It was obvious, as one teacher pointed out, that a lot of special efforts had been made on the hats by many kids, parents, and grandparents. The school’s students circled and danced under the COLA to a series of tunes, from classic rock to more modern fare, all kid-safe and chosen by the students and teachers. A few families will be supercharged on sugar this holiday, as eleven raffle prizes were awarded to the winners after the parade, mostly of chocolate egg hampers that had been donated by individuals and parents in the community. P&C President Kelly Hurkett thanked all the community donations, announcing that a total of $1400 had been raised. “All of it goes to the school for books, clubs, and the students’ learning opportunities,” she said. School resumes on Wednesday, 26 April, although some students may wish to participate in the 10am ANZAC Day March on Tuesday, 25 April, wearing their school uniforms to honour the day. By Thomas O’KEEFE Easter Hat Parade raffle prizes were all donated by members of the community. Maddie Hodge and Ruby McKeough. Norah and Owen. Rainbow Class.
