St Mary's Parish School, Ararat

Students in grades five and six learn the soprano and tenor ukulele, taking their instruments home to practice. 
The instruments are made available for community ukulele lessons led by staff and parents culminating in a joint performance at the school community bush dance. 

Students also have the opportunity to perform for the wider community including at the local residential ages care facilities, and in community performing arts events

This initiative aims to benefit our students, families and the wider community. 

Learning an instrument has been proven to have many benefits for social cohesion as well as cognitive development. 

In terms of social cohesion, our aim is to provide an opportunity for our families to explore learning an instrument in a relaxed and informal environment, while their children learn alongside them. 

This will provide the opportunity for families to meet one another outside of school hours and for students to build relationships with one another and also other community members. 

When our students perform for the wider community, we aim to provide entertainment for older members of the community.