BIG DAY: Keisha-Leigh Padgett-Hurst, 5, and Karel Harris, 5, with office elf Lucy Kennedy got to meet Santa at Carlton School last week.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
Visitors to Carlton School last week were greeted by the pleasant scent of pine and the sight of Santa sitting under a real Christmas tree in reception as gifts piled up around the tree.
"We call it our 'Christmas Hope Tree' and we've asked our community to donate items to
be made into parcels that will be distributed to those families within our school community who need a little cheer this Christmas," said principal Gaye O'Connor.
"It also provides an opportunity for the children to learn about the value of giving, of thinking of others and what it means to be a caring community."
Children can also have their photo taken with Santa for a $5 donation and that money will be used to buy groceries to distribute to school families.
"Some of our families will find Christmas a bit of a stretch this year and we think, as a school, we can do our bit to spread some joy."
