What a fantastic night was had last Friday as the P&F school disco made for a remarkable and memorable event, finally back in the school after two years of rest. The weather held out, thanks to many prayers for the rain to stop in the lead up and the night was a huge success in so many ways. With over 550 persons attending, you could see and hear the pure joy on the children’s faces, many attending for the first time in their third year of schooling at Claremont. It was heart-warming to see so many ex-students now in high school join in the festivities. How wonderful to witness that this connection to Claremont still remains well after the primary school years have passed by. A tangible sense of community was apparent as parents gathered, laughed, talked, and connected. To top this off, the disco generated a record $17,200 in revenue, an incredible amount for our first family event in the school since 2019, well done Claremont College.
The DJ entertained the kids all night in the Undercroft dance floor while the smell of wood fired pizza and BBQ sausages permeated the air. All the stalls were exceptionally busy with children having their hair coloured or braided, face painted, tattoos and nails done, shooting hoops, decking themselves with glow products or trying their luck at the 'Lucky Dip' some several times.
Thank you to Alex and Sandra M (Chloe Yr6, Olivia Yr4, Jonathan K) owners of Pauls Chocolates, a third-generation family business who generously donated two gigantic chocolate Easter bunnies for our disco raffle. Congratulations to our Primary winner, Dylan A and our Infants winner Isabella G, I’m sure you will be eating lots of chocolate over the Easter break!
The school disco would not have been possible without the amazing team of Year 4 grade representatives, Aysun A, Helen S, Lucy M, along with myself, who put in many hours organising this wonderful event. A massive thank you, all our hard work was worth seeing the whole community being able to finally gather together at school for a night of fun and celebration!
Thanks must also be given to the fantastic army of Year 4 parents who helped run the stalls on the night, Alanna J, Belinda X, Ben L, Bernadette K, Blaze G, Danny A, Diane L, Elena I, Fiona P, Freida K, Geneva S, James R, Jay M, Jessica A, Jorine F, Julia O, Juliet L, Kim H, Laurice M, Leo I, Louisa C-G, Malina W, Marcus O, Marina R, Mel Y, Nadia R, Natalie T, Peter G, Sandra M, Sandra S, Sharon F, Stephanie W, Susan S, Tarek E, Vanessa P and Vicki U.
Thank you to the twenty parents across the rest of the school who filled the gaps: Adam B, Alicia G, Annie K, Audrey R, Carol L, Darwin A, Debora A, Emily H, Emma P, Jade K, Jane L, Janelle S, Joyce C, Kelly P, Lisa S, Louisa A, Louise Z, Madeleine F, Michelle K and Sylvia T.
Thank you to the Team Kids educators Lisa, Maddie and Shirley who kindly offered their time, staying for the whole event face painting. Finally thank you to Mrs James who oversaw the event and to Mr Pike who does so much of the behind-the-scenes work, we really appreciate you both.
As I reflect on all that has transpired this last term with the P&F, 140 years picnic celebration at Botany Aquatic Centre, Bubbles & Bites, Grandparents and Special Friends Day and the School Disco, I am so grateful to be part of a school community that supports, collaborates and cares for each other. I am thankful for every family and staff member that forms our wonderful school community. Wishing you all a safe and restful Easter break, may we celebrate together as families and communities the wonderful message of Easter and the cross, of new life and God’s unending love for us all.
Melisse Lee
P&F President
