Digging the danceathon

The principal of St Joseph's Primary School, Wingham, revealed herself as a dancing queen to an audience of zealous students last week.

Mel Hunt was joined by teacher Christie Downie, as they took students by surprise in performing a tap routine, which was choreographed to the 80's classic Hip to Be Square.

Ms Hunt and Ms Downie's moves weren't the only ones on display that day, with the entire school community joining in an hour-long shimmy as part of their annual danceathon. Other dance hits with students included the Hokey Pokey, Macarena and Baby Shark. 

The danceathon is traditionally hosted by Year 6 students and raises funds for various school programs and social justice initiatives. This year, the event coincided with Book Week festivities, which meant everyone was dressed up for the occasion.

"At St Joseph's we encourage all Year 6 students to be leaders in our community," Ms Hunt said. "This years' group did a terrific job at organising the event, which included them leading students in dance, giving out prizes and selecting the music for the day."

"Everyone had an absolute ball, thanks to their outstanding efforts!"

Students and staff approached their friends and family to sponsor them to 'boogie to the beat' for the extended period, with their efforts on and off the dance floor resulting in an astonishing $2,000 collection.

St Joseph's will direct proceeds from this year's danceathon towards the school’s Season for Growth program and playground, helping to turn it into a child's imaginative wonderland.

"We recently constructed a new deck and sandpit for the students to enjoy, and these funds will enable us to purchase four new cubbies to create a 'tiny town' nearby.

“We plan to decorate each cubby in theme; so far the students have nominated one of the cubbies to be painted like a police station, and we're fine-tuning the remainder of the list," Ms Hunt said.  

The new play area will also include a mud kitchen, music wall and quiet play area,

"Our revitalised playground will complement the Successful Foundations project implemented in our school, which encourages play-based learning and promotes imagination, curiosity and problem-solving."

To find out more about St Joseph's, Wingham or to enrol your child, please click here. 

 

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Lizzie Watkin Image
Lizzie Watkin

Lizzie is Team Leader Content for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.