Students in Year 1 and Year 2 did an excellent job performing their Christmas musical "Children of the World" this afternoon for a packed auditorium of parents, siblings and friends.

The Story:

Every year Gabriel and the angels celebrate the birth of Jesus by bringing children from around the world to the manger, to tell of their Christmas customs and to offer gifts to the baby Jesus.

The angels are gathered on Christmas Eve. Each has a lucky number on a ticket. Seven numbers are chosen from a lucky dip, drawn by Gabriel. The angels with matching numbers are to become messengers and their job is to bring children from countries around the world to visit baby Jesus in the stable. The lucky dip is designed to be conducted like many of the reality shows on TV enjoyed by children today, the winners being announced with great drama and timing. The selected messengers receive gold envelopes from Gabriel which contain the name of the country each is to visit.

While the messengers are travelling, the nativity tableau is formed around the manger, ready for their return. As each group of children is brought to the stable, they tell of their special Christmas customs, present a song which reflects their particular country, and make an offering at the manger. In the final scene, children join hands around the manger, to represent peace and hope in the world.

Countries visited included Poland, China, Australia, Malawi, USA, Ireland, and Russia. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the large musical numbers, such as the American "gospel choir" singing 'Come to the Manger', 'Gabriel Calling', and the finale 'Children of the World'.

Many thanks go to Milepost 1 APL Mrs Roberts and Lead Teacher Mrs Thompson for organising the show, Mrs Morris for the music, Mrs Tyrrell for the backdrops and decorations, and all of the other helpers that contributed to the final production.

Congratulations to the Year 1 and Year 2 students for their hard work and AMAZING singing and acting skills!