What a fabulous heart bursting experience it was, to be part of the Blue Mountains Primary Schools’ Musical Day held on Dharug and Gundungarra land and hosted by Kindlehill.
 
Blue Mountains Steiner, St Canices, Our Lady of Nativity and Blue Mountains Grammar Primary Schools came together with our children, in the Kindlehill School Performance Space, to rehearse, perform and play together.

At the beginning of the music packed day there were around 150 joyful children warming up, chanting, acknowledging and singing ‘Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain’ by Jerry Esta, and ‘Oye’ by Jim Papoulis. The combined orchestra (including trumpets and a double bass) had around 50 students playing ‘Momentous’ by Brian Balmages and ‘Legend of the Water Dragons’ by Edward Kennedy, conducted by Elizabeth Cooney and Julie Cooney respectively.
 
Thank you to the music educators and teachers Elizabeth Cooney, John Forbes, Fiona Hall, Rachel Newtown, Julie Cooney, Prem Love and Kristina Frazer. We are truly lucky to have such wonderful experienced and knowledgeable supporters of music for young people in our Blue Mountains community.

Shaila Bernard Class 2-3 Teacher

With a B. Arts (Social Ecology) and a Master of Teaching (UWS), S’haila has been at Kindlehill since 2001 when she came to a Spring Open Day with her children – and stayed! Since then, she has variously been Playgroup leader, Kindy assistant, member of the Village people, Craft coordinator, Gymnastic and sport coach, Music program coordinator, SEA delegate, Gardener and Gardening coordinator, Class Teacher and College member.