Pupils at Holy Cross Primary School in New Gisborne received an early Christmas present when the school's resident cow Carla gave birth to a calf earlier this month. A few parents and children were at the school for a working bee to witness the calf being born and attempting to stand on its own on November 7. Principal Joe Caruana said the excitement had been fantastic since the birth, with many of the pupils in awe of the tiny animal. Kiara, 11, Millie, 11, and Patrick, 7, and their schoolmates have now turned their attention to naming the new calf. Many classroom discussions are expected to lead to a name for the new arrival in the near future. Mr Caruana thanked George Galea for supplying the bull for Carla earlier this year and the Outdoor Education team led by Brian Coughlan, who looked after Carla during her pregnancy.

Picture: Matthew Furneaux