‘Night of The Notables’ at St Mary’s

THE Centenary Hall at St Mary’s Primary School had well and truly been transformed into a Hall of Fame when Dubbo Photo News dropped by on Thursday, April 5. The hall was a hive of activity as Year 6 students were busy undertaking a dress rehearsal for their “Night of the Notables” to be held on that same evening.

TO prepare for their display, each student was given the task of selecting their own notable Australian from history, expressly those involved in humanitarian work and making a significant, positive difference in the world.

Over the period of one term, students spent time in class researching, writing, gathering artefacts, designing their displays, drawing a portrait and planning their costume, with all Key Learning

Charlee Lynch as Edith Cowan

“She was the first woman in parliament and created women’s and children’s rights,” said Charlee. “She also helped in the World War giving soldiers shelter, food and clothing.”

Ellie Galea as Louisa Lawson

“She was a feminist. She helped women to be able to vote, get an education and have a job,” said Ellie. “She made ‘The Dawn’ magazine and club. She was invited to parliament in 1902 to help pass the law for women to vote.” Ellie’s display featured a creative brainstorm of ‘The Dawn’ magazine and she managed to source a typewriter as well. Areas being addressed.

The final exhibition in Centenary Hall took two days to set up and became a Learning Centre at St Mary’s.

Students from younger year groups visited the hall to learn some cool facts and check out the amazing work of Year 6. The students were very enthusiastic to share some information on their respective notable Aussies, addressing important skills such as public speaking, role playing and peer interaction.

We’re sure that all parents and friends who attended the night were very proud of the kids’ efforts. Well done, they all looked fantastic!

Dubbo Photo News had a chat with a few of the students – we would have loved to be able to feature them all! Here’s a brief story behind each ‘notable’.

Jodan Porter as R.M. Williams

Jodan chose R.M. Williams “because he is country and I like the country. He is a very successful business man and he wrote a couple of books.” Jodan also told of how R.M. Williams, his wife and his kids “went to live in the Outback with no electricity or running water”. When asked if he would like to do that too, Jodan said, “Maybe for retirement. I wouldn’t mind being a farmer if my dreams (of being a football star) don’t turn out”.

Milly Gaiter as Mary Mackillop

Milly chose Mary Mackillop as her notable Australian because “Mary is Australia’s first Saint. She loved teaching children and looked out for those in need.” Milly said that she does look up to Mary Mackillop “a bit”.

Jazmyn Haksteeg as Margaret Preston

Jasmyn chose Margaret Preston because “she was a leading artist. She promoted an Australian style by using vibrant colours and Australian themes, such as the Sydney Harbour bridge, Australian landscapes, flowers, animals, Aboriginal modifies and bark paintings.” The background of Jazmyn’s display was an impressive artwork; maybe Dubbo will soon have a Margaret Preston protégé...

Phoebe Shearman as Eric Worrell

Phoebe was very passionate in her role as Eric Worrell, saying, “He was a naturalist and herbologist, he studied venomous snakes. He took snake venom to make anti-venom – he was the main supplier of anti-venom.” Phoebe knew each type of snake on her display and even had some real snake skins to show. She was very convincing as “Australia’s original reptile man” and had a lot of knowledge to share.

Bryce Foley as John Simpson

“John Simpson is also known as the man with the donkey,” Bryce said. “In World War I, he carried wounded men day and night to save their lives.” Bryce was very knowledgeable with his facts, saying, “(John Simpson) died after 24 days, he was 22 years old and he saved about 300 soldiers”.

Liam White as Steve Irwin

Liam was a Steve Irwin replica, saying, “I rescued and preserved wildlife. There are hundreds of animals being killed every day and I didn’t think that was very fair. Animals should be healthy and happy like us humans.” Liam was so engrossed in his role as Steve Irwin that he had to be persuaded to break character to say, “I have been to Australia Zoo twice.” When asked what his favourite animal at the zoo was, he gave a typical Steve answer: “A crocodile!”