SAINT Martins Lutheran College’s King of the Jungle float reigned supreme when it rolled along Commercial Street during this year’s Christmas parade.
The school was one of 62 participants in the 60th anniversary event, being crowned best school entry.
Head of primary school Robyn Teakle said the education facility had been involved with the NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade for more than 20 years.
“We have been involved for as long as I can remember,” she said.
“We feel as though it is important as the school has been in the region for some years now and we are a Christian school.
“We see it as an opportunity to spread the Christmas message in the community.”
Ms Teakle said the idea for the float came from a Christian song which students sing in class.
“One of the songs we sing is called Who is the King of the Jungle,” she said.
“It is a Christian song which focuses on Jesus as being the key person during this time of year.
“We picked something we knew the kids could dress up to which we found was effective and engaging.”
With around 40 primary school students involved, Ms Teakle said a highlight for her was watching the students sing the four songs being played on the day.
“I think for some kids it is about being brave and sitting on the float without mum and dad, especially for some of the younger ones,” she said.
“You could see them expressing themselves and engaging with the people in the crowd, which helped boost their confidence as they were travelling along.
“There were lots of people they knew and recognised.”
Ms Teakle praised the event organisers and said the school would most likely participate again next year.
“It took a long time from when we knew the parade started to when we began to move off,” she said.
“Although, once we got moving, it worked well and seemed organised.”
