There were no back-to-school blues at Kaikorai Primary School as pupils flocked to try out their long-awaited playground.
The school’s 320 pupils gathered with parents and teachers on the first day of the school term yesterday to celebrate its opening.
Board of Trustees presiding member Katie Devereux said it was the "the cherry on top" of a full school redevelopment.
The playground was funded by the school board, with additional funds from grants and contributions from the parent group.
Redevelopment began in 2017, leaving the school with a limited playground for more than five years, she said.
"[This is] somewhere to play that fits in with our school environment, is natural, big, and lets them be free to express themselves and involves a little bit of risky play."
Sylvie remembers when there was just a field where the new playground sat, and said it was a "pretty cool" upgrade.
School principal Beth Downie said it was an emotional day which had been a long time coming.
"[It is a] celebration of a whole lot of mahi and a whole lot of energy", she said.
"We’re really chuffed."
The school had consulted on the playground with parents, pupils and the wider community, who wanted a natural looking playground to fit in the existing environment, Ms Downie said.
"I want our school to be a community school, I want people here in the weekends, playing and enjoying our space."
