MEDOWIE Public School came away with two impressive awards at the recent Wakakirri Story and Dance Festival, held at the Civic Theatre Newcastle on 27 July, 2018.

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The staff and students worked tirelessly over ten weeks, preparing a unique and inspiring story through dance, with the assistance of Kiah Muddle from iDance Performance Co.

Kiah worked with the students to develop the story, and outstanding choreography, so that Medowie Public School’s story-dance, entitled ‘Believe’, was uniquely presented.

Medowie Public School’s story ‘believe’, begins in a modern-day classroom, where students are discussing what they want to be when they grow up.

A young Aboriginal woman feels as though her identity is lost and is torn between her family’s cultural beliefs and her own aspirations, and through the support of her peers, teachers and school she realises that she can be the person she wants to be and stay true to her cultural values.

Students embark on an emotional journey and work together to highlight how important it is to build each other and not tear each other down.

Medowie Public School teacher Vicki Winters told News Of The Area, “For many of our students our story really challenged them to have faith in what they want and believe in themselves.”

“Not one child walked away unhappy with their efforts and some long-lasting friendships were forged and strengthened amongst our students.”

“I couldn’t hold back the tears as I stood backstage watching the hard work and enthusiasm of all our dancers, and I was exceptionally proud of the students who stepped outside their comfort zones to challenge themselves and do something they will remember forever,” she said.

The Judges said, “Medowie Public School have been one of the only schools who have stepped up and taken on the feedback from today’s rehearsal, you should all be so proud of your enthusiasm and commitment to deliver a truly inspirational story.”

After the performance, three students were selected from each school to answer a question related to the performance.

The students selected to do this from Medowie Public School were Ellie Winter, Mindy Beer-Stewart and Shanay Dawson.

At the end of all the performances Medowie Public School were very honoured to take home two awards ‘Best use of minimal props’ and ‘Best individual hair and makeup’.

National awards are announced on Waka TV during September, so keep an eye out to see if Medowie is awarded any further awards at National level.

By Rachael VAUGHAN