Pupils put on great star-studded show
Porirua School’s talent and huge heart nearly brought a visitor to tears in the inaugural ‘‘Jump Jam for StarJam’’ last week to support a student with a disability.
StarJam co-ordinator Genevieve Krefft said she was almost brought to tears as students performed for Hinerangi Collins, who has Down syndrome.
Porirua School joined more than 100 other schools across the country last week to support StarJam, a charity that provides musical opportunities and workshops for young New Zealanders with disabilities.
Hinerangi’s mother, Helen Collins, who is also a teacher at the school, said she was amazed at how positive and excited the school was about the opportunity to support StarJam, which Hinerangi joined last year.
‘‘I think it’s really good for our kids and whole school whanau to be involved in something like this, and to see firsthand how their generosity is helping others, and one of their own,’’ she said.
She said
it was a bonus having 2013 New Zealand’s Got Talent winner Renee Maurice there and having her sing.
Maurice, spokesperson for StarJam, said the charity gives a platform for young people to share their talent. She overcame medical issues of her own to be a singer.
‘‘If it weren’t for StarJam, I would not be where I am today, personally or professionally,’’ she said.
StarJam has been working with young people with disabilities since 2002.
It has more than 300 young people with disabilities participating in musical workshops in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton each week.