Book characters came off the page today at Greenpark School with pupils and staff dressing up as their favourite novel character.

Teacher Glen Harrison described the character day as a 'great success” with nearly everyone dressed up – with Spiderman, Harry Potter and princesses the most popular character.

Photo by Bruce Barnard.

'It was lots of fun and the kids got right behind it. The character day and the whole book week is a great way to encourage them to read.”

Glen says some of the pupils and parents had put a lot of effort into their costumes, and was particularly impressed by a boy who won the best senior boy's costume for dressing up as Princess Cinderella.

The character day rounded off the school's week of book-related activities.

Meanwhile Greenpark pupils have also been preparing for the school's international gala on Sunday to raise funds for 29 senior students going to Korea in September for a two-week exchange to sister school Hansen Elementary.

The gala, which is the first of its kind at the school, will offer food and performances from around the world, along with standard fair attractions and amusements.

The event, which has been organised by school international manager Lynne Mossop, will treat visitors to performances by pupils in Korean drumming, aerobics, zumba, kapa haka, Indian dance and choral singing. International food will range from Mexican to Korean, Indian, French, American and a hangi. The gala is being held in the school field on Sunday from 2pm-6pm.