The rainy weather didn’t stop students from Murchison Area School from having a thoroughly enjoyable Pet Day earlier this month.
Pet Day, which is shared with family and community members, is a highlight for all and this year was no exception with a range of pets, animals, and livestock parading the school grounds.
“Our Pet Day is a celebration of the relationship kids have with animals. Being a rural school, our kids have a lot to do with animals, so we like to celebrate the way we look after and connect with them, acknowledging that animals and pets play a big part in their lives,” says Murchison Area School’s deputy principal, Sarah Peacock.
The event had a range of sections children could enter with three animal categories; dogs, household pets, and livestock.
Other competitions included ‘baking’ - including vegetable pets, ‘photography’ – taking a photo of your pet, and ‘build it’ – which is anything farm or pet-related made from creative materials or Lego.
All the sections were judged by members of the community who had experience in the relevant fields.
“Having local judges is a lovely community aspect. This year we had a farmer who judged the dogs, a livestock agent who judged the livestock as well as a local cake-maker who judged the baking section,” says Sarah.
“A big part of the judging is around the relationship the kids have with the animal or pet, it was obvious to see on the day the important role they play in our kids’ lives.”
The Young Farmer Competition was popular with the winner to be announced at the end-of-year prize-giving celebrations.
Children were challenged to complete five tasks, consisting of knot tying, matching dog breeds, setting up an electric fence, knocking pretend blow flies off a pretend boar and target throwing with a horseshoe.
“For our kids, this stuff is their culture. They go hunting on the weekends, filling the freezer. They get out on the farm and give a hand. The Young Farmer competition acknowledges that these are important and valued,” says Sarah.
It was a successful day and although the programme was shortened due to the weather, there were still entries in all the categories.
“The kids were enthusiastic despite the lousy weather. There’s always an entertainment factor like a lamb that doesn’t do what it’s meant to or a dog that is less than obedient, which is a good laugh for all. It’s a nice school community day that we love sharing with everyone.”
