IT looked like an extravagant zoo enclosure, with donkeys, ponies, lizards and a 9ft Boa Constrictor among the exhibits.But the scene greeting staff and parents arriving at St Joseph's College in Ipswich yesterday morning was in fact a painstakingly organised Pet Assembly.
By Danielle Nuttall
IT looked like an extravagant zoo enclosure, with donkeys, ponies, lizards and a 9ft Boa Constrictor among the exhibits.
But the scene greeting staff and parents arriving at St Joseph's College in Ipswich yesterday morning was in fact a painstakingly organised Pet Assembly.
Teachers and staff at the college made the brave decision to allow children in the school's primary department to bring their beloved pets into school for a special morning assembly.
The event was organised when children asked whether they could bring their animals into school during a meeting of the Junior School Council.
Not wanting to disappoint, school staff set to work on how they could pull off the request and swiftly carried out a risk assessment.
The big day attracted more than 100 animals, which were all lined up under an oak tree in the school grounds.
The guests included African snails, hamsters, Shetland ponies, a three-legged cat, donkeys and a huge Boa Constrictor snake.
Dr Martin Hine, head of primary education at St Joseph's, said: “We feel very lucky the children trusted us to share the things that give them pleasure and delight and bring them into school. It was a very exciting day.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here