Harvey students gather together to celebrate the season with fabulous festive lunch

The halls were decked, the carols were chiming and cakes were passed around as students from Harvey Primary School celebrated the festive season in style.

About 250 students gathered at the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre on Friday to pull Christmas crackers, enjoy a feast and celebrate the end of the school year with Christmas cheer.

It was the second time the primary school has gathered to celebrate with the event organised by the school’s chaplain Kristi Crognale with the support of the Harvey Church of Christ and volunteers.

Church of Christ community chaplain Don Marshall said it was great to see the event return.

“There are children who may not get a Christmas dinner in our community, so knowing that the school’s chaplin Kristi decided to make sure everyone gets a Christmas dinner (is wonderful),” he said.

He said the group fundraised to host the event, with the parents of school kids giving big for the occasion.

“The response from the parents has been wonderful,” he said.

School principal Claire Barbosa said the day was “fabulous”.

“The community spirit from the Harvey community, embracing our children as a primary school has been outstanding,” she said.

“It’s not something I’ve experienced before in a community, so it’s a rewarding experience to be part of.”

One of the standouts of the event for Mrs Barbosa was the church providing for the school’s faculty who were able to sit down and enjoy a meal with the students.

“It’s really important for our kids in Harvey to be able to get out and about,” she said.

“They’re getting out of the school, experiencing a sit down dinner, all feeling equal and included.

“Having this meal together is so special.”