St James School, Yamba recently staged ‘a whole of school’ creative arts performance inspired by John Marsden’s book, Prayer for the 21st Century. Maz Muir, who volunteered her time and expertise to direct the production, led the students through the production, providing an opportunity for the students to boost their confidence, enthusiasm, enjoyment and independence, while learning and participating in the art form. “We as staff have had wonderful professional learning experience in this area, too,” says coordinator of the initiative, teacher Christine Jeffrey. “In this whole of school performance our teachers have met all curriculum requirements, catering for the diversity of student learning needs. “We, as staff and a school community, are richer for the experience; thanks to Maz Muir’s input. “All of the students chose the creative arts area they wanted to work with and each stage chose a theme from the book that they explored through drama, visual arts, music and dance. “The themes were friendship, the environment, heroes and justice. “As a culmination of the performance, each class wrote a stanza for Our Prayer for the 21st Century. The school’s captain says, “It was a fantastic experience and we all tried our very best. Everyone loved it.”