Nicole Kidman shares personal message with her primary school
Nicole Kidman took time out of her holiday in Greece to share a heartwarming message to a particular group of children from her hometown back in Australia – watch the sweet video
READING LEVEL: GREEN
Nicole Kidman gave a school of Aussie kids a big surprise when she sent a sweet personal video message directly to them, taking time out of her holiday to do so.
Lane Cove Public School on Sydney’s Lower North Shore has been celebrating its 150th anniversary, and Kidman just so happens to have been a former pupil at the school.
To mark the heartwarming milestone*, Kidman recorded a video while on holiday in Santorini*, Greece, congratulating the historic campus on lasting so long and supporting so many Australian children over a century and a half of learning.
“I’m in Greece right now, but I wish I could be with you,” she said in the video, which was posted to the school’s social pages.
“I wanted to say congratulations on the 150th anniversary of Lane Cove Public School. Amazing. What a milestone.”
“I remember running around that playground. I made friends that I’m still friends with now, so it shows you how important school is. I am so grateful that I went to such a great school.
“Congratulations, sending all my love.”
Her sweet video message came just days after the school shared their wishes on social media for Kidman to attend their celebrations.
The school posted a video to Facebook inviting her to attend with the caption: “Dear Nicole Kidman, a little school in Lane Cove has a very big birthday coming up.”
“Lane Cove Public School is turning 150, and the students would love nothing more than to welcome one of their most famous former students back through the gates.”
Kidman previously told Network 10 she was going to try to make it to the celebrations after being invited there by students, who posted a video encouraging her to turn up.
“It’s the sweetest thing ever,” Kidman told Angela Bishop.
Lane Cove Public School principal Terry McKinnon said he was proud of Kidman, and was grateful that her message had arrived just in time.
“It came in very late today and we were very happy to play it,” Mr McKinnon told ABC.
“It’s great to hear from all our alumni, but particularly Nicole after we invited her to this event.
“We’re extremely proud of her, as we are of all our alumni*.”
WATCH THE VIDEO
POLL
GLOSSARY
- milestone: an important event in the development or history of something or in someone’s life
- Santorini: a Greek island in the Aegean Sea in the Cyclades, Santorini is a tourist hotspot and the ancient site of a Bronze Age Minoan settlement, and of the volcano that ended Minoan civilisation on Crete
- alumni: graduates or former students of a school, college or university
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QUICK QUIZ
- Where did Nicole Kidman go to primary school?
- Where was Nicole holidaying when she sent her video message?
- What milestone anniversary was her old school celebrating?
- The Hollywood star grew up in which Australian capital?
- What did Kidman point to as evidence of how important school is?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Who would you invite?
Think of a successful or famous person you would like to invite to your school for a visit. Imagine that you are allowed to invite them on behalf of the whole school. Also think about a special event or activity that they could take part in.
Write a letter that is inviting them, explaining your plans and convincing them to come!
Time: allow at least 30 minutes for this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Personal and Social Capability
2. Extension
In her presentation to her old school, Nicole Kidman talked about the friendships she made at school that are still important to her today. What do you think are the most important things that a school should give you? Write a list of at least three. Next to each item in your list, write a paragraph explaining why you chose it.
Time: allow at least 30 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Civics and Citizenship, Personal and Social Capability
VCOP ACTIVITY
I spy nouns
Nouns are places, names (of people and objects), and time (months or days of the week).
How many nouns can you find in the article?
Can you sort them into places, names and time?
Pick three nouns and add an adjective (describing word) to the nouns.