Goya Dmytryshchak
Seaholme Primary School pupils have compiled a list of their top community heroes who helped keep spirits high during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among them were Dorothy and Clive, the lollipop lady and man who greeted the children before the first bell and at home time.
The pair worked every day, even in the rain or when there weren’t any people around.
There was the Princess on Skates (Belle), a professional ice skater who took to the streets and parks in roller skates and costumes after the rinks were shut down.
Another was Deidre, a neighbour in nearby Curtain Court who provided daily activities and company for the children in her street.
“We are grateful for people like Deidre who made these hard times a bit easier with simple acts of kindness that cost her nothing but meant a lot to others,” said pupil April.
Seaholme student school captains and vice captains compiled the list by consulting with other children.
They decided to present their top heroes with awards last week, as Victoria entered its sixth lockdown.
“It doesn’t take much to be able to see the good impact these people have had on this community,” said pupil Caleb.
His schoolmate, Eliza, added: “These people in our community really brightened our days.”
Also making the grade were:
Melbourne Minor for making sand sculptures of penguins and other animals at Altona beach;
Seaholme Community Pantry for providing food and essentials in a street pantry for those struggling during the pandemic;
Local cafes, Bezirk, Birdcage and Hangar 1one2, for providing coffee with a smile and selling local produce;
Mr Fresh ice cream truck for serving up a swirl of joy, especially during the lockdowns;
Music teacher Danniel for teaching online virtual music lessons to keep pupils in tune;
Cleaners who kept the school spotless throughout the pandemic and;
Seaholme Primary staff and out-of-hours carers.
Pupil James said all of the children were grateful.
“On behalf of our school community, we want to thank these people for taking up the responsibility of helping us get through these troubling times.”
