By Callum Ludwig
Warburton Primary School celebrated their annual Night of Lights Festival on Friday 21 July.
Students had made lanterns in art class for the lantern walk in preparation for the event, followed by showing off the Bush Dance skills they’ve been practising too.
Warburton Primary School Principal Nathan van der Monde said It is a moment to appreciate the time of year and the lengthening days, as well as our connection to each other – and the things that ‘light us up’ inside and inspire us through dark times.
“The creativity and opportunity to build friendships are invaluable in events like this, and Warburton Primary School is built on the strength of our school community, which is 148 years strong. It gives us an opportunity to have fun and let our hair down, but also reflect on the heritage and history of the school,” he said.
“It strengthens the connection students feel to the school and their local community, as well as bringing Warburton Primary School families into the school to have fun and build relationships.”
Warburton local Woody Clark of Woody’s World worked with each year level to practice and prepare for the dance and performed live with his band on the night.
Mr van der Monde said there is so much rich learning that happens in lessons like this.
“This year, the Junior students have made lanterns using tissue paper, glass jars, and eco-glitter. They explored colour theory and chose warm, cool, or a combination of colours, and thought about patterns and placement of their torn coloured tissue paper pieces, ‘mixing’ colours via light and transparency,” he said.
“The middle and senior year students constructed wooden framed lanterns with rice paper windowpanes, which they decorated. Each panel represents something to that student – things they love about nature, things that inspire them, or art techniques and skills they have learned over the year so far. Students also had a hand in making and setting up decorations for the night.”
Parents, students and community members also made use of the Harvest Cafe to cook up some free hot food for attendees.
Mr van der Monde said they are thrilled to offer events like this throughout each school year to their wonderful school families, and the greater Warburton community as well.
“We will have more opportunities for the community to get involved and attend events next term, so look out for details on a time capsule from 1975 being opened, and a mini makers market later in the year,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone who attended our night of Lights, and we look forward to seeing the community at our next lantern festival in 2024.”
