Public Education Week has begun with a powerful reminder that student excellence comes in many forms.

The Southern Stars Rising Stars disABILITY Dance Ensemble came together at Fairy Meadow Demonstration School in Wollongong to rehearse Eating on the Plane, an energetic and humorous performance that will feature in Southern Stars 2026.

The rehearsal marks the beginning of Public Education Week, showcasing how NSW public schools create opportunities for every student to discover their strengths, build confidence and achieve excellence through inclusive learning experiences.

The lively routine explores the quirks of travelling, from awkward in-flight meals to collecting memorable souvenirs, bringing the story to life through music, movement and plenty of laughter.

A much-loved feature of Southern Stars, the Rising Stars disABILITY Dance Ensemble celebrates the talents of students with disability, providing opportunities to perform on a professional stage while building confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

Fairy Meadow Demonstration School teacher and Rising Stars choreographer, Jessica Cicocci, said the program was about much more than learning dance routines.

"As a special education teacher and dancer myself, I'm incredibly honoured to choreograph this performance and provide our students with the opportunity to shine on the Southern Stars stage," Ms Cicocci said.

"Seeing their confidence grow, their joy shine through, and the pride they feel in performing is a powerful reminder that dance creates belonging, celebrates every individual's strength, and gives them memories that will last a lifetime."

For Year 10 Karabar High School student Tully, being part of Southern Stars is an adventure in itself.

She travelled more than three hours from just outside Queanbeyan to attend rehearsals, making the journey so she can perform alongside students from across southern NSW.

“It helps kids with disability get into dancing and I love making new friends,” Tully said.

This year also marks a significant milestone, with both Tully and Karabar High School participating in Southern Stars for the very first time.

“It so fun and exciting and it’s an adventure, ” she said.

For Year 11 Corrimal High School student Yana, the impact of the program goes beyond the stage.

“It makes me feel really happy and full of positivity and have a great smile," Yana said.

“Southern Stars is really fun, it keeps you active and you can follow the choreographer and learn what to do,” she said.

The Rising Stars ensemble includes students from Bomaderry High School, Corrimal High School, Karabar High School, Moss Vale High School, Oran Park Public School, Peterborough School, Thomas Acres Public School and Yandelo School.

The rehearsal follows the official launch of Southern Stars 2026 at the BlueScope Visitors Centre, where audiences were treated to a preview of this year's production by talented vocalists from the Southern Stars Performing Company and public-school students from across southern NSW.

Executive Producer Neal Reed unveiled this year's theme, TAKE FLIGHT, inviting audiences on a journey of imagination, exploration and discovery.

"In TAKE FLIGHT audiences will embark on a journey of imagination, exploration and discovery," Mr Reed said.

"They will travel across the globe, from iconic destinations to distant worlds. They will experience the excitement of departure, the joy of adventure and the wonder of discovering what lies beyond the horizon.

"They will journey through places both real and imagined, before ultimately returning home with a renewed appreciation for connection, belonging, and the experiences that shape us."

Southern Stars will take to the stage at the WIN Entertainment Centre on 28 and 29 August, bringing together more than 3,500 students from 135 NSW public schools across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Southern Highlands, and southern and south-west Sydney.

The 2026 production is one of the most ambitious yet, featuring around 3,000 students in dance and drama ensembles, a 500-voice choir, the 400-member Yanggaa Garaba Indigenous Dance Group, an 80-piece orchestra, featured vocalists and audience favourites including the NSW Public Schools Millennial Marching Band, circus performers, the signing choir and the Rising Stars disABILITY Dance Ensemble.