Music and dance are a big part of life at Nashville State School, and now students are embracing that creative spirit by teaming up with award-winning musician Josh Arnold to deliver an important message about road safety.
Jean Lagan, Secretary of the Nashville State School Parents and Citizens Association (P&C), said that the project gives students a unique opportunity to co-write and perform an original song while spreading awareness along the way.
“This approach will allow the students to really connect with the messages they are singing about,” she said. “We also hope a catchy tune will help convey the message to others and improve road safety across the community.”
With three studio albums behind him, Josh transitioned away from performing and touring and has now devoted the last 15 years to creating music with children.
“I really just fell into this by chance,” he said. “A friend asked if I would do some teacher aide work, which led to songwriting in classrooms, which then slowly became my life. This role is perfect as I love writing songs and I’m just a big kid myself.”
Creating a Safer School Community Through Creative Engagement
Nashville Principal Kurt Rose said he had heard about Josh’s inspiring work through former colleagues at Yarraman State School. He shared Josh’s details with the P&C, who applied for the Community Road Safety Education Grant and reached out to Josh to bring this initiative to life.
“The safety of our students remains our highest priority,” Kurt said. “Through this creative project, students, staff, and families can all play a part in ensuring every child arrives and departs school safely each day.”
Over three days, approximately 60 students will be involved in the co-design process of the video, with broader participation through the inclusion of a whole-school scene.
“I love seeing the kids grow in confidence during the process of recording and filming,” Josh said. “My projects can really lift the spirit and camaraderie in a school and bring unity through the power of music.”
The completed video will be shared through the school’s communication channels, including the website, newsletter, and social media platforms.
“This makes it easily accessible to our community,” Kurt said. “One of our key goals is to promote greater road safety awareness around our school and by sharing the video, we hope to encourage all community members to help create a safer environment for our students and families.”
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- Podcast Review:Christmas Past
- New Netflix Christmas Classics
- Jungle Perch Kuhlia rupestris
- Steam Through History on Christmas Twilight Train
- Tis the Season for Giving…and Scamming?
- Next Step Beyond Year 12: Exploring Future Pathways
- Organic Gardening in December
- The Ghost of (Sandgate) Christmases Past
- All-Abilities Dance Takes Centre Stage At Sandgate
- Student Reporters Get the Scoop
- The Birds of Summer
- Sparkle Into the New Year with Sandgate Celebrations
- Summer Fun Starts With Safe Swimming Habits
- Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
- Ready for Storm Season
- Uniting Church Celebrates 30 Years of Christmas Lights
- Festive Fun with Santa Water Sports on Sandgate Beach
- Fishing For School Holiday Ideas? Summer Fun Around Sandgate
- Shorncliffe Station Closes for Major Heritage Restoration
- Christmas is in the Air
- Try Curling: A Quirky Olympic Sport to Kick Off the New Year
