The students' seven-minute performance piece is based on the history of the Australian Red Cross, which is celebrating its centenary of service.

The Australian Red Cross began as the Australian Branch of the British Red Cross Society on August 13, 1914, at Government House, Melbourne.

The 110 Tullimbar Public School students, from years 3 to 6, are dedicating their story-dance to the organisation which works with the most vulnerable people and communities in Australia and internationally.

Stand By You will be performed at WIN Entertainment Centre in the primary school challenge on Thursday.

Wakakirri is an annual performing arts festival in which hundreds of schools across Australia create story-dances which reflect the students' thoughts, ideas and aspirations.

Tullimbar Public School teacher librarian Sharon Ryan said the theme of the Red Cross was also chosen because this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Albion Park Red Cross branch.

"We focus not only on the past but also on the present and future of the Australian Red Cross, showing how it has evolved over the past 100 years," Ms Ryan said.

"It started as an organisation formed in response to war to one which developed into supporting families and communities dealing with poverty and homelessness and responding to disasters at home and further afield."

This year is the fourth time Tullimbar school has taken part in the festival.

The school's 2014 performance, telling the history of Australia's first feature-length film in 1906 on Ned Kelly, earned it a national Wakakirri award (for best story NSW Wollongong) and a state award for best dramatic story.

"The children create lifelong memories by participating in Wakakirri," Ms Ryan said. "They develop friendship bonds with other students and there is a great feeling of camaraderie."

Illawarra schools taking part in Wakakirri include Dapto Public School, Warilla Public School, Nazareth Catholic Primary School, Waniora Public School and Albion Park Rail Public School.