Publication: nc07112012

The Paremata School gala on October 27 saw all the great aspects of Kiwi gala- cute animals, The The Paremata School gala on October 27 saw all the great aspects of a great kiwi gala- facepainted kids, cotton candy and bouncy castles- meet traditional costumes and dances from other cultures.

The staff wore togas and head dresses to match the ancient Olympic theme and a Thai dance was exhibited as part of a talent quest.

A star from the modern day Olympics was also at the gala.

Mary Fisher, a gold, silver and bronze medalist from the recent Paralympics was judging the talent contest which saw a funny rendition of Bruno Mars’ Lazy Song complete with the dance moves and a traditional Thai dance was also performed with much poise and grace.

Mary said it took courage for the students to get up on stage and perform in front of hundreds of people, who were there to help raise funds to improve the playground.

After the talent quest Mary was surrounded by students eager to see her medals.

She told them how overwhelming it was to receive them. “17,000 people stood up for the National Anthem and there were all these photographers,” she says.

There were plenty of amateur photographers taking photos of the partially sighted Paralympian and her medals.

It was not only the students that showed off their talent- Principal Bryce Coleman filled in for Rough Copy’s drummer as he was away in Australia.

“It was great fun to help the band out,” he says.

The gala raised $25000 he says.

Highlight performances by Solomona Boyle-Tiatia and Catthariya Wylde Neuang-Keo