Blacktown City Independent #009 December 2021 | Page 29

EDUCATE ME

EDUCATE ME

Special Hamilton experience for hard-hit students

Students who have been the hardest hit by COVID-19 and natural disasters will have the opportunity of a lifetime , thanks to an initiative launched by the NSW Government in partnership with the Michael Cassel Group .
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said 170 students who have been severely impacted by natural disasters or COVID-19 over the last 18 months

Tickets will go to the hardest-hit LGAs in Sydney where students spent more than 100 days under the toughest lockdown conditions , as well as performing arts students from regional and remote NSW . will receive a unique Hamilton experience , with tickets to the hit musical followed by an exclusive Q & A with the cast .

Tickets will go to the hardest-hit LGAs in Sydney where students spent more than 100 days under the toughest lockdown conditions , as well as performing arts students from regional and remote NSW .
The Department of Education ’ s Arts Unit will select the students , with schools initially asked to nominate up to four students to take part in the Hamilton experience .
In addition to viewing the production , students will meet the cast and take part in several NIDA workshops .
Ms Mitchell said that students and
their families had been through a really challenging 18 months , and for those who have experienced additional hardship , this was a chance for them to return to the theatre and be inspired .
“ The story of Hamilton is not only the story of building a nation , it ’ s a story of overcoming hardship - something our students have become very familiar with over the last 18 months ,” Ms Mitchell said .
“ This is an opportunity for students from across the state to gain special access to ‘ the room where it happens ’ – the spectacular Australian production of Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre .”
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery Paul Toole said it had been one of the toughest periods for students across NSW .
“ From bushfires to floods and COVID-19 , our students have faced near
Students who have suffered hardship will receive a unique Hamilton experience with tickets and an exclusive cast Q & A . two years of unprecedented challenges and the opportunity to let their hair down and meet the cast of Hamilton will be something they ’ ll never forget ,” Mr Toole said .
The show ’ s producer , Michael Cassel , said it was impossible not to be inspired by the show , and this initiative will no doubt help motivate the next generation of storytellers and art makers in NSW .
“ I couldn ’ t be happier that we are able to provide this opportunity for NSW Public School students to experience Hamilton in Sydney ,” Mr Cassel said .
NSW public schools impacted by natural disasters and the COVID pandemic can now apply for the 2022 Minister ’ s Arts Recovery Grants .
Grants of up to $ 10,000 are available to support arts-based projects for students and schools , with more information available at artsunit . nsw . edu . au .
Last chance to enrol in vacation care
We still have some spots left for children aged 5-12 years in our Summer Vacation Care program , which runs from Monday 10 January - Friday 28 January 2022 .
Kids ’ Early Learning city-wide Christmas competition !
It ’ s beginning to look a lot like Christmas , so why not celebrate with some colour and creativity ?
We ’ re calling all children up to 12-years-old , who live in the Blacktown LGA , to enter our Kids ’ Early Learning Christmas colouring in competition !
There are some awesome prizes up for grabs !
To download your entry form or to find out more , visit , bit . ly / KEL-Christmas-Colouring-Competition
The competition closes on Friday 17 December . T & Cs apply *
To see all the fun and awesome activities we have planned , visit kidsearlylearning . com . au / vacationcare
Spots are limited so enrol now !
Vacation Care is available from 7am-6pm at 48 Golding Drive , Glendenning .
BLACKTOWN
CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 09 // DECEMBER 2021 29