STARSTRUCK is an annual performance event for public schools in the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast Regions.

This year 3500 students performed and was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on 17-18 June, 2016.

The events gives students experience as part of a professional show with dancing, drama, singing, choir, acrobats, circus, bands, orchestras, stage management, and lighting and sound all components of the show.

Medowie’s two local public schools, Wirreanda and Medowie, both participated in the event and shared transport arrangements to make the experience run more smoothly.

2016 marks the second year that Wirreanda PS has been involved in Starstruck.

Mrs Corynne Darcy, primary school teacher and school coordinator of Starstruck,has been involved with performances for several years, having previously been involved with Karuah Public School’s participation.

Dedicated teacher, Mrs Darcy told Medowie News Of The Area, “I am responsible for organising rehearsals, taking the 16 students to all rehearsals and performances and organising all costumes, props and accessories.”

“One of the highlights this year for Mrs Darcy was seeing a student that she used to teach and took to Starstruck 15 years ago, now as a teacher, take a group of her own students to be involved from East Maitland Public School,” Ms Darcy said.

“Seeing students grow and develop and learn about their post-schooling successes is arguably one of the greatest joys of being a teacher,” she said.

Demonstrating the strength of public schools when working together, teachers at both Medowie Public and Wirreanda Public Schools partnered to organise coach transport, easing financial pressure for parents and ensuring that students were kept together.

Mrs Darcy said, “This approach provides a fantastic bonding experience between the schools and produces long lasting friendships.”

This year WirreandaPublic School performed I’ll Make a Man out of You from the Disney film Mulan.

Two Wirreanda students, Kyara Darcy (year 5) and Olivia Lightfoot (year 6)  auditioned and were selected to be in the Hunter Tap ensemble made up of around 50 seasoned tap dancers, and performed HeighHo from Disney’s Snow White.

For more information about Startstruck, visit: http://www.starstruck.schools.nsw.edu.au/home

 

 

By Heather SHARP