Students spread joy with inclusive Christmas concert

Organised by the school’s performing arts teacher, Judy Stewart, who took an inclusive approach in writing the concert script and designed performances around each student’s individual strengths.

Some students performed dances, while other students with mobility challenges participated by ringing bells, each producing a different tune and tone.

School principal Paul Marshall said students learned to ring the bells at certain times to perform carols such as Jingle Bells.

“It was nice to be able to work together as a whole school, see our older students mentor and support the younger ones,” he said.

“We’re also able to then invite friends, families, we invited several elderly groups to come along and share, you know, in the Christmas fun,” Mr Marshall said.

Community involvement played an important role in the production of the concert, with the Echuca Moama Men’s Shed helping to build props for the students’ performances.

Mr Marshall said it was lovely to see the audience’s faces light up and sing along with the students.

“To be able to share our students’ abilities and to be able to share that Christmas cheer was amazing,” he said.