Words by Kylie Knight
In what could be described as an act of wizardry, a spell has been cast over Clontarf Beach State School’s main office transforming it into something straight from a Harry Potter novel.
It is not the work of Professor Dumbledore, instead two lesser-known wizards Sheryl Foster and Jill Burden have spent twelve months researching, creating and sourcing objects for the display.
They put it all together in six hours on July 31, before South East Queensland was plunged into lockdown and so it would be waiting for pupils when they returned.
The display includes quidditch goals and broomsticks, a Mirror of Erised, paper mache mandrakes, flags for the four Hogwarts School of Witchcraft houses, potions, Quibbler front pages and much more.
It was ahead of Book Week and is the fifth display of its kind inspired by stories children and their parents love.
Mammoth effort
The crafty pair has created magic in the office for Book Week for five years, with the help of other staff at the school keen to join in the fun.
It all started with some friendly rivalry with the former librarian, who was creating displays in the library.
So far, Sheryl and Jill have decorated the office with themes including Alice in Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh, The Wizard of Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Sheryl says it is her favourite week of the year and as administration officers, greeting visitors and pupils, costumes are essential.
“It’s for the kids. The best part of it is when they come in and they’re excited and they look around. We get into it as well. We love a bit of dress-up,” she says.
“This year’s display is on a par with what we have done in the past couple of years.”
Jill says during last year’s Book Week dress-up day, 90 per cent of pupils and teachers came to school in costume.
The display will remain in place for a month and the pair is already working on a plan for next year, although they will not reveal what it is.
If their efforts of the past five years are anything to go by, it will be spectacular.
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