I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy the Primary school’s productions of The Lion King Jnr, if not, I am sorry, but you missed out on something special.

The students were terrific! They showed genuine deep-down enthusiasm and passion in their performances. Their dancing, singing and acting was outstanding. But of course, this has not happened by chance, rather due to the dedication and effort every child has applied in their preparation, I know I speak for all when I say their talent was most impressive.

During the performance itself, (and not apparent to the audience) were the scores of staff guiding the performers, operating staging, working audio-visual, directing singers and choreography, and managing the complex orchestration of stage movement. Getting hundreds of children on an off stage a dozen times in an hour in a quick and safe manner is no easy task. On the nights I was not in the audience, I had the pleasure of assisting backstage and in the wings. It was wonderful to be with the children as they assembled. The excitement, nervous energy was palpable as they ran through dance steps and practised lyrics in their head. They did so well to manage the rising tension, all of which became too much for one zebra in the second week!

But this is just the work done on the night itself, as for every minute onstage, there were many dozens of hours of preparation prior. Many months ago, preparations began, from first planning meetings, set design and construction, early casting, followed then by rehearsal after rehearsal. Every stage move practised, every song learnt, lyrics and lines memorised, and all arranged into one smooth flowing performance. Colourful and creative costumes were made, mostly by the students themselves. Makeup applied, performers cared for and entertained between pieces, then marshalled to the right place at exactly the right time.

If you attempt to count how many people were involved including teachers, support staff, parent volunteers, Secondary student helpers, it will exceed over a hundred people. Every person who contributed made the performances a success. Sometimes a single person’s contribution may seem small, a little cog in a very big machine, but even the smallest component of a complex mechanism is critical for successful operation. To list all those who contributed is an enormous task, and I was glad that so many were thanked in the speeches on the final nights.

However, there are two people I feel I must make mention. Of course, the Director, Ms Haylee Sommer, again Haylee dazzled us with her professionalism, dedication passion and artistic skill. The success of the performances is without a doubt a direct reflection of the value she brings to the performing arts program. The second person I would like to acknowledge is Ms Jessica Over, the Production Coordinator. If you are looking for the perfect example of a well-organised, meticulous and cool-headed operator before, during and after the events, then Jess fits the bill. I could list more, and I am sorry that I have confined it to just two, but I know all those involved made magnificent contributions and we all greatly appreciate their wonderful work.

I also extend my thanks to the parents of our Primary students, not just to those who assisted on the nights, but for providing the essential support to your child as they prepared for their big night(s). Helping to put costumes together, listening to them recite lines, watching them practice their dance moves, joining with them as they sung their songs, and providing all the encouragement and loving care when most needed.

What a wonderful way to conclude Term 3, especially coming out of what has felt to be a long and challenging winter, not just caused by the inclement weather, but by other trials faced. All those involved should be rightly proud of their achievement, I know we all are.

Bill Sweeney - Principal