Border Mail, Page: 25
By Ben Robson
LAUGHTER has a serious side as North East students discovered
last week.
With the help of mischievous puppets Dean and Kylie, Camp Quality
helped dispel many myths about cancer, such as the idea that it
might be contagious.
Puppet program co-ordinator Renee Dudfield said while it is not
uncommon for children to have a schoolmate with cancer, there may
still be many misunderstandings. "We're trying to help kids
understand that it doesn't matter what you look like," she
said.
"It's all about friendship and supporting each other and accepting
each other's differences." During the shows there was also a strong
anti-bullying message.
"The kids realise that Dean is bullying Kylie who has lost her hair
(because of treatment) and they see that it's not cool to be
cruel," Ms Dudfield said.
"It allows us to educate students through a unique brand of fun
therapy and you can tell from the questions at the end that the
message is getting across." That message was all the more important
at Wodonga Primary School where one of their newest pupils, Rose
Delarue, has recently undergone chemotherapy for leukaemia.
"She's been very unlucky because her hair has fallen out for a
fourth time, which isn't supposed to happen (so often)," mum,
Linda, said.
Despite this Mrs Delarue said Rose had enjoyed her first days of
school.
"She's had the best time," she said.
"It's the worst feeling to think that your child might be picked
on, but the school has been wonderful.
"Her teacher Mrs Wilcox explained to all the kids why she has no
hair and about her medication and that's made things a lot easier."
The Camp Quality team visited Wodonga Primary School, Baranduda
Primary School, St Joseph's Primary School, Chiltern, and Frayne
College.