AN excited 319 students from Preschool to Year 6, along with their teachers, families and children from Thou Walla, the Schools as Community Centre, brought plenty of colour, laughter and energy to Irrawang Public School’s annual Book Week parade on 26 August.
The school also welcomed local author Sally-Anne Marshall, who joined students and staff for the celebrations.
This year’s Book Week theme was ‘Symphony of Stories’, with parents and carers coming along to watch the parade and see the wide variety of creative costumes.
While wet weather meant the parade had to be held inside the school hall, it certainly did not dampen the excitement.
Each grade was called up to showcase their costumes, while teachers also got into the spirit of the day by dressing in a range of different themes.
The stage three staff team embraced the Book Week spirit by dressing as Captain Underpants, including teachers Linda Finch and Lisa Ping.
Both teachers have been at the school for more than 10 years, and their enthusiasm was contagious.
“When we walked out of our class this morning, the students were laughing at our outfits,” Lisa said.
“It was wonderful to see the students getting involved, with children clapping their hands and giving each other high-fives during the parade.”
Parent Kimberley Harrison said the celebrations were just as exciting for her, with her youngest child now attending the school after her three older children had also attended.
“This is my last child, but it is just as exciting,” she said.
“It’s great seeing the teachers get up there and have fun too.”
The parade was a great way to bring the school community together and give children an opportunity to have fun, she said.
The Book Week parade is a much-loved event on the school calendar, bringing together students, staff and families to celebrate books, reading and imagination.
Principal Sarah Rudolph also got into the spirit of the day, greeting students as they arrived and welcoming every child by name.
Her enthusiasm was another reminder of the strong sense of community and school spirit on show throughout the morning.
However, for the kids, the day was all about books, costumes, laughter and the chance to see their teachers join in the fun.
By Althea GUINSBERG
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