Katikati Primary celebrates books with character parade

The sounds of laughter, chatter and excitement could be heard well before you arrived at Katikati Primary School last Friday, as the whole kura — from Year 0 through to Year 6 — gathered in the concrete courtyard for the annual Book Character Parade. Students and teachers alike came dressed as beloved characters, with some whānau also joining in the fun.

Emceed by teacher Liz Woods, who turned out as a rugby player, the parade saw each class walk the perimeter of the courtyard while music played in the background. Rather than handing out best-dressed prizes, the focus was firmly on celebrating the joy of books and reading. Year 4 student Viliami Moala came as Willy Wonka, Year 1 student Skylar Hussey dressed as Wednesday, and Year 3 student Freddy Farnat found Where's Wally — while teacher Sam Brown transformed into a witch.

The parade is one of several events held during the school's annual Book Week. Other activities included book swaps, book camps, and a book fair run through the school library as an annual fundraiser. Each student took home a wish list the week prior so their whānau could purchase items from the fair, with all proceeds going back to the library to buy new books for everyone to enjoy.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).