The atmosphere at the Ballantine Memorial School Fun Day held at the FMF Gymnasium was nothing short of thrilling and joyous.
The event showcased great camaraderie and support between students, old girls of the school, parents and patrons as they raised a substantial amount of money for the school’s project.
Money raised was $53,957.65.
Ballantine Memorial School’s chairman and manager, Fotu Yavala said the school had planned to only raise $45,000 which was to assist the school with renovation works.
“We’re hoping to do some renovation works on the computer lab, the toilets and dormitories, so the money raised will go directly to these projects,” he said.
This year only a few old girls turned up to represent their association at the event.
“The reason we don’t have a lot of the old girls present this year is because they are now preparing for the school’s 90th anniversary which will be held next month,” he said.
“Only the old girls from Vatulele decided to attend with a few others who could make it. To see them travel by boat across to attend the event means a lot to the school.
“We even have some parents who travelled from the West to be here, and we also have other patrons – for that we are grateful.”
He also took the time to thank the students, the parents and teachers for their tremendous contribution.
“I thank the students for their contribution and their parents for fully supporting them not only through what they have raised but also in the preparations leading up to the event – from the students kalavata, their food and other expenses during the day,” he said.
“It shows a different level of support from the parents of BMS towards their children’s school. It is more than we had expected.”
The school’s board members opened the fun day with a soli (contribution) of $15,000, followed by the Year 9 students with $6547, Year 10 with $6205, Year 11 with $6183.10, Year 12 with 4684.90, Year 13 and vocational with $6147.55.
The Vatulele old girls gave $2200, Ravulovulo Investment contributed $500, Suvavou division gave $5962, the former students $458.10 and $70 was given by other patrons.
The Year 9 students took the award for the most money raised by students at the event.
