from the Head of Junior School

What a week!

I am immensely proud of every single one of our students for the contribution they made

toward such a successful musical. Musicals involve many working parts, many volunteer

hours and many hours of practise. It was all worth it to see 350 students perform in both

shows on Thursday, with talent, flair, enjoyment, and professionalism.

Musicals are so much more than just a performance. Earlier in the week I lead a discussion with Year 3 to 6 students and asked them what they had learned, recognising that they had learnt lines, lyrics and choreography, but what else had they learnt? Many  students talked about teamwork and collaboration, others talked about perseverance, some talked about performing in front of an audience and some talked about building their confidence to perform on stage. Others talked about dressing up and putting make up on, some learnt the value of practise stating, ‘practise makes perfect’, and it really did! Students learned about story telling through a different medium. They talked about flexibility and how to change plans quickly. There was a range of things that each child had learnt in the process of putting on a show and the students themselves could see the benefits.

This is why we do a musical – to give our students opportunities to be part of incredible

learning experiences. The educational value runs deep – it is an authentic way to deliver the Creative Arts syllabus, giving students a relevant and purposeful learning environment, where singing, dancing, acting, stage craft, self-expression, creativity and appreciation for the arts comes alive.

A musical showcases the incredible talents of our students, and it fosters collaboration of all students creating a sense of inclusivity and our supportive school culture – there was a role for everyone – regardless of age or talent. Calrossy had students who were four years old to twelve years old involved, students behind the scenes operating props, students in the sound and lighting booth and students assisting with costumes, hair and make-up.

To go one step further, the connection between students in various year groups is fostered during a musical. I witnessed students at Kiss and Drop singing lines of songs with older peers, students collaborating to recreate parts of the show on the playground and connections between year groups as they sang and prepared items. I particularly loved watching the admiration the younger students had for their older peers – often obviously awestruck! Some stating, ‘I’m hoping for a lead role when I’m in Year 5 or 6’.

The musical is a tradition in the Junior School which we have now reignited, after a COVID

hiatus. We will run a musical every second year and can only hope to build and grow upon

what we have created and the fun that occurs.

My sincerest thanks go to the parents, staff and supporters who contributed is various ways, these things are not possible without support which has come in many and generous ways. Finally, a musical is not a musical without a director, Mrs Elly Davies our Junior School Music Teacher and Mrs Gabi McDonald who both worked tirelessly to gift our students with a learning experience full of memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you both for your wisdom and expertise, passion and dedication.

School life continues this week, with everything swinging back into routine. Thank you for

journeying with us as we create learning experiences beyond the classroom that help to

engage, grow and build our students. This is why you choose Calrossy.

Have a great week.

Claire Smith

Head of Junior School