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East Ayr Primary School to perform Shrek the Musical Jr

An ogre-the-top and fun-filled production is coming to the Burdekin Theatre next month.

Marina Trajkovich

REHEARSALS are underway to take audiences far, far away, as East Ayr Primary School students get ready to bring Shrek the Musical to the Burdekin Theatre.

Principal of East Ayr State School, Chris Wicks, says that the main cast and ensemble of fairytale creatures have been working hard to produce a memorable show.

“We are very lucky in Ayr that there is such a strong arts culture, so we are drawing on the expertise of some other people from the arts community. It is a whole of community initiative, ” said Mr Wicks.

“On a Sunday, the kids will be working hard, and then you go into the next room, and you’ll have mums sewing costumes. Upstairs in the art room, you’ve got the props department working on the bits and pieces for each scene.

“There’s so many teachers, teacher aides, community members working hard together to make sure it’s all systems ready to go.”

Directing the show is Arts Teacher Caddie McGregor, with Olivia Licciardello from Perform Music helping the kids with their vocals.

“Caddie has done an excellent job with her team to cast all our fairytale creatures and of course Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey,” said Chris.

“A lot of the kids haven’t participated in a musical before and don’t have any real singing training, so it’s something we can offer the kids that’s quite special.”

Teacher Jane Olsen who is in charge of choreography, said the kids are looking forward to performance night, rehearsing in school lunch breaks, weekends and before and after school.

“Caddie has done a great job casting those students who may not have the opportunity to perform outside of school and they now have the chance. The growth that they’ve had has been really great to see.

“We are at the polishing stage of our rehearsals, and the kids have been working really, really hard.

“I’m a Believer is definitely the kid’s favourite song. A lot of the songs are the same as you’d find in the movie. It’s a great movie to musical adaptation.”

CONNECT NOW:

Tickets to East Ayr Primary School’s Shrek the Musical Jr are available from the 12th July at www.burdekintheatre. com.au.

Students during rehearsal

Ayr Community Kindergarten learns road safety

Marina Trajkovich

THE Ayr Community Kindergarten Association has welcomed the PCYC’s Andrew Sherington and local police officers for an educational day about road safety.

The children in attendance were taught basic road safety skills to establish good habits and raise awareness. They then put their new skills into practice on a makeshift bike course.

“Familiarising children with road safety practices and understanding the signs and symbols that relate to road safety empower children to self assess risk for themselves and increase their awareness of safety within our community. But even more importantly, it was loads of fun,” said a representative from the Kindergarten.

The Kindergarten thanks Andrew Sherrington, Constable Nick, Constable Corey and the Burdekin Shire Council for their support.

School seeing Maroon as they dig in for grandstand fundraiser

Daniel Shirkie

HOME Hill State High School’s P&C will go ahead with a planned free community watch-along for State of Origin 3.

The viewing party, held instead of the group’s usual annual fete, will bring together students, staff, parents and the wider community for the Wednesday, July 14 fixture.

Home Hill State High School’s P&C president Christine Loizou said the event was designed to bring the community together and fundraise for a new grandstand.

“The whole idea behind holding the event was to help raise funds to remove and replace the grandstand, which is really badly needed,” Ms Loizou said.

“We’re all about the community here and we’ve got the community on-board.

“We’ve got a lot happening on the day.”

Live entertainment, including a curtain-raising live band, a ‘Pass the Footy’ competition and food and refreshments, as well as a bar for those over 18.

The game itself will be projected onto the school’s inflatable screen, on-stage at the MPS building.

Students will be encouraged to wear their chosen state’s colours in support on the day and during the lead-up, with a gold coin donation permitting free dress at school.

Gates will open at 6pm for the event, with burgers, chips, hot and cold food and homemade sweets all being sold from the bar and canteen.

The Home Hill Lions club will be on hand to help serve food, while other organisations like the PCYC and the Burdekin Roosters Rugby League club have also pitched in with ideas and support.

“We’re working closely with everyone, a number of small local businesses have offered to help, which is great,” Ms Louizou said.

Seating is available, but guests are also free to bring their own beanbags or plastic chairs.

Social distancing requirements will be in effect, with the Check In QLD app mandatory for those coming to watch the game, and booking of a free ticket online necessary.

CONNECT NOW:

To donate to the school’s fundraiser for the removal and replacement of their grandstand, call 4790 5666 during the school term. To book a ticket go online to https://www.trybooking. com/BSMIA.