Dear families,

After many auditions, rehearsals, costume workshops, set making, timetabling and administrative organisation, we are less than a week away from raising the curtain on our School Production The Little Mermaid Jnr. This production has been a real team effort between staff, students and parents - a real testament to the spirit of St Mary’s.

A school production is a big commitment, but the payoff is massive. Our students have had the opportunity to learn life long skills such as teamwork, confidence, resilience and a growth mindset, alongside developing their creative skills in performance. The production will be something that many students will most likely remember above all else from their primary school years. Providing opportunities in the arts such as this is something we are very proud of at St Mary's.

Of course there would be no production at all without the incredible creative drive and vision of Veronica Del Castillo our Performing Arts Teacher and Daliah McLoughney (Mrs M) our Art Teacher. From Day One of the audition process Veronica has given so much time and energy to creating a production that is inclusive of all students, providing an opportunity for every student to shine. Daliah has led the costume preparations, giving so much of her time to reach incredibly high standards. I promise you that you will be amazed!

Supporting Veronica and Daliah are many staff and parents who have led their time and expertise to elements such as set design, costumes, choreography, advertising and ticket sales. It cannot be underestimated the huge amount of work that has gone into making this production a reality. To all those who have helped behind the scenes, thank you for your valuable contribution.

Special thanks go to staff members Catherine Wensley, Allison Weerapah, Lucy Levett, Michelle Perpina, Anna Mannion, Sarah-Jane Clarkson, Renae Robinson and Wendy Lambert. Our gratitude and thanks also go to Annie Feore, Anna Marinelli, Malina Curry, Nicole Everett and Elise Fisher for volunteering their time.

To the entire staff at St Mary's, thank you for your flexibility, energy and commitment in helping to provide this extremely valuable opportunity for our students.

Finally to our incredibly talented star performers, the students of St Mary's. We are so very proud of your efforts!

A few important housekeeping reminders for the performances:

Students will need to be dropped off at St. Bede's between 6:00pm and 6:15pm. Classroom teacher's will be at the main gate to guide students inside.
Doors will open at 6:30pm, with the show commencing at 7pm
We ask that children bring a named water bottle
We ask that parents please ensure that children eat at home beforehand, as there will be no eating during the show
All students will all be travelling by bus to St Bede's next Wednesday during school time for a tech rehearsal. A permission form has been sent out through Operoo.
School will be open, staffed and have classes running as normal on Friday, with modified programs, recognising that the children will be tired. However we understand if parents wish to send their child to school a bit later in the day if very tired. We do ask that parents notify the school in the morning if that is the case.

Please check the production section in this newsletter for any other details from Veronica. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday/Thursday evening!

Matthew Sweeney

Principal

principal@smhampton.catholic.edu.au

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