Pop artist pops in on poster winners

Singer/songwriter and Surf Life Saving ambassador Jamie McDell performs at Hereworth School, Havelock North. Photo/Warren Buckland.

Up-and-coming New Zealand pop artist Jamie McDell captivated Hereworth School students yesterday while she knocked out some of her hit singles to reward the school for winning a Surf Life Saving poster competition.

The artists behind the Havelock North school's winning poster were Mrs Kasper's Alpha 1-2 class who had recently participated in a Surf Life Saving beach education programme teaching the youngsters about being sun smart, the dangers of rip currents and the role of a lifeguard amongst other things.

The boys' efforts were rewarded by a performance from singer/songwriter McDell, ambassador for Surf Life Saving.

The students were excited for her appearance at the school and many had been listening to her songs over the past few weeks to learn some of the words. Some even made an I Love Jamie sign.

She also dabbled in a few One Direction covers and was the star of the show, with the boys lining up for photos and signatures at the end of her performance.

McDell said she was impressed with the poster the Year 1 students made featuring cut out photos of the boys all participating in safe activities at the beach including swimming between the flags and sitting under an umbrella.

"I really took a liking to this entry, firstly because of the wonderful colours and messages it put across, but also because I really enjoyed being able to see the faces of the kids that had made it."

Hereworth School headmaster Ross Scrymgeour said teaching the younger students how to swim was a priority at Hereworth, "so they can enjoy water activities at the beach".

The annual Surf Life Saving Summer Appeal begins on Friday. Donations can be made by visiting surflifesaving.org.nz or by texting "SURF" to 933 to make an instant $3 donation.