By Tate Papworth
Standing in the middle of the MCG on AFL grand final day is a dream many Australians aspire, and for a group of St Albans students it’s about to become a reality.
Pupils from St Albans East Primary School’s deaf choir have been invited to sign the national anthem on the big stage.
Principal Paul Busuttil said excitement is fever pitch.
“We decided to take a shot and contact the AFL asking if this could be a possibility and it was welcomed,” Mr Busuttil said.
“We told the kids on the day we found out and naturally they’re really excited. They’ve been rehearsing during lunch.”
He said the opportunity extended deeper than the performance.
“They sign the national anthem every fortnight at our assembly, but this opportunity is providing them with a stage or platform to promote awareness of deaf culture and the school itself.
“We’re a mainstream school with a deaf facility on site, so for us this is inclusivity at its best. The kids aren’t withdrawn from class regularly and they’re just seen as any other 9-3.30 student.”
Even though the grand final is held during the school holidays, Mr Busuttil said the countdown had already begun.
“We’ve had to explain the game and just what this stage means to a few of the kids, but everything seems to be going well in the lead-up.
“We’re just waiting for the main event now.”
