Reporter, Page: 5
Puppet shows are always fun, but Calvary Christian College in
Springwood recently enjoyed a puppet show that also shared an
important message about cancer.
With one of the school's students, Elliot Glen, currently
undergoing treatment for leukaemia, McDonald's Camp Quality Puppets
put on a colourful performance with the aim of reducing the risk of
peer teasing, fear or ostracism.
Elliot's mother Anna, said while Elliot hadn't had any issues
being back at school, it was great to remind children that even if
someone looked different from the outside, they were still the same
on the inside.
"I just think it's fabulous there's knowledge out there and the
'cancer' word doesn't need to be a scary word," she said.
Camp Quality Puppets Queensland puppet coordinator Christene
Wildman, said the show's scripts are based on the challenges
experienced by Camp Quality children returning to school after
cancer treatment.
"The first part of each play embraces the anti-bullying message
and tells the story of Kylie's return to school after chemotherapy,
while the second part is set in an oncology clinic where characters
are awaiting treatment," she said.
"Under the spell of puppetry, the children can learn and ask
questions about cancer without making anyone uncomfortable." The
puppet program, which is funded by McDonald's restaurants, has been
performed for more than three million school children since it
started 21 years ago.
The puppet show is conducted by volunteers and performs at schools
on request.