Diamond Creek East Primary School creates parody for students in isolation

Teachers and students at a primary school in Melbourne’s outer northeast have put together an “ingenious” video parody of a classic 1967 hit to connect with children learning at home — and it is racking up the hits on YouTube. Check it out here.

At least 40 students are still attending a Diamond Creek primary school despite the State Government refusing to reopen schools.

But Diamond Creek East Primary principal Rob Rostolis said the children of essential-working parents had “no other choice”.

Mr Rostolis said the school was abiding by social distancing rules and thoroughly practising good hygiene.

“When children line up outside their classrooms they have to follow the cones we’ve set aside for them — each 2m apart,” Mr Rostolis said.

“We are only allowing 10 children per classroom and each child has their own table.

“The preps naturally gravitated to each other at the start but now they’re slowly learning and getting the hang of it.”

The school had also worked on an “ingenious” way to connect with its other 420 students learning from their homes, he said.

Over the past seven days former and current staff, as well as students, put together a special parody of Four Tops’ classic hit Reach Out I’ll Be There.

The video, filmed on iPhones from inside the homes of its contributors, was mixed together by the school’s music team and has racked up almost 1500 hits on YouTube.

WATCH THE FULL VERSION OF THEIR VIDEO BELOW

Mr Rostolis said children learning at the school were barred from using any outdoors play equipment, but each had their own basketball to encourage solo play.

“Thanks to Bendigo Bank for donating 40 basketballs to the school allowing kids to continue being active, while also playing on their own and at a safe distance from others,” he said.

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Mr Rostolis told Leader he “could not be prouder” to be the principal of a school.

“We wanted to put together something that will unify people and let our school community know we are here to help them,” he said.

“Our teachers have done fantastic work keeping our kids connected.

“This video is all about mixing things up for them — a bit of fun — and a reminder we are here and all they need to do is reach out.”