Animals galore at school’s first Pet Day

Creatures big and small were in attendance at Clyde Primary School on Friday, when the school celebrated its first Pet Day.

About 70 animals flocked to the school, accompanied by pupils and caregivers.

Principal Steph Kitto said the event was the result of a persuasive writing assignment for children in the junior school.

"The children wrote [letters] and desperately wanted a pet day — so they did persuade me."

While the majority of the pets were dogs, there were also cats, kittens, rats, a frog, a sheep and two horses.

"It was a lot calmer than expected ... there’s already some talk about having some more," Ms Kitto said.

There had also been a photo competition for pupils whose pets were not able to come to school, a pet-themed construction contest and sand saucer competition.

"I think it went really really well, a great success."

The pet day had been incorporated into the school’s Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) week, which was held at the start of each school year.

Ms Kitto said EOTC week was about getting pupils out of the classroom and into the community.

"It’s all about connecting with our community ... we get as many parents involved as possible."