Bobin Public School has published a picture book called, 'The Little Lady' and just like the main character in the story, the school's journey from disaster to renewal has been made possible through the power of community.
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Just over a year ago most of Bobin Public School burnt to the ground, along with 18 homes in Bobin. It was a day that local residents will never forget and for students of the small historic school, it was a huge shock to see their school in ruins.
Less than three months later, when staff and students returned to their freshly rebuilt campus, there was still a lot of rebuilding to be done - but of a different kind. Staff and parents were faced with the critical task of ensuring students felt safe and happy in their new school.
"Everyone was feeling shocked and exhausted after the fires, and so we wanted to re-energise our students with lots of hands-on activities. We knew they'd need time to process everything and they'd also need ways to express how they felt about all the changes in their lives. For this, we turned to the creative arts," said relieving principal Sarah Parker.
Alongside their regular studies, teachers developed a curriculum that incorporated a lot of music, drawing, painting, drama, and filming - and as the year progressed, a special project began to emerge.
"Early in term one last year, one of our students, Maia Oates, wrote a very heart-warming story called 'The Little Lady'. It's a beautiful story about resilience in the face of grief and loss. We were so touched by it, that it was decided all the students could contribute illustrations for it to become a picture book. We thought it would make a lovely 'thank you' gift for everyone who had donated to us."
"We've just had it published and it looks fantastic. I really want to thank our creative arts teacher Mrs Angela Page, whose expert guidance inspired every student to contribute paintings for the book.
"Also, a big thank you to Sunne Printing in Taree for the amazing job they did for us. They worked hard to ensure all the kids had copies to enjoy before Christmas."
To purchase a copy of the book visit www.bobinschoolpublications.com or call the school on 6550 5147.