The carnival’s not over for school

Will Thomson
SOUTH Geelong Primary School’s carnival is set to make a triumphant return next week after a four-year absence.
Building works had put the grounds off-limits to the event but the opening of a new multi-purpose area, art room and library last year has left enough time between projects for the carnival to make a comeback.
Parent helper Louise Manly said the school was delighted to have the carnival back.
The event would serve as an unofficial opening of the building improvements, she said.
“We had a window of opportunity, so a couple of parents, teachers and students said let’s go for it.”
The school will soon seek tenders for more works as part of a grounds overhaul, scheduled to start in March.
Ms Manly said the reinstated carnival had earned “great support” from the community, with businesses donating $7000 worth of prizes including a dive certificate course, signed Hawthorn and Geelong premiership jumpers and restaurant vouchers. The carnival would raise money for various school projects, with the installation of shading over play equipment high on the school’s agenda.
Ms Manly said organisers were unsure whether the event would return to its original biannual format but it had the backing of organisers, who were predicting a large crowd.
The carnival will be on March 5.