PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear parents and carers,

On Friday 2 August, I went to the school performance of Legally Blonde.  It was outstanding on so many levels.  The show itself was brilliant but it was the other aspects of students being able to participate in a live performance that demonstrate to us what a wonderful experience this is for so many students.  I have often been reminded that whilst our students must acquire the skills of subjects, schools offer so much more for students.  As a school, we wish to nurture young people so that that they are able to take their place in the community as active and engaged citizens.  By providing opportunities in a range of activities we can ensure that they receive a comprehensive education.   The performance will be the event in each student’s life that they will remember forever and will talk about for years to come as one of the happy memories of school.  It will be a time they remember where they learnt new things about themselves, pushed themselves and grew because of the experience.   I went backstage prior to the show and saw preparations in full swing.  Students, staff and helpers knew what to do and were busily getting everything ready.  It was clear that the students had learnt many new skills as they prepared for the show. Everyone was working together with this busy and highly energetic time.  There was collegiality and assistance amongst everyone as they got ready.  It was delightful to see the staff support for the show.  Those that assisted with the production (who I mention later) have given up hours of their own time to put this on.  The enjoyment and reward they received from this effort was very evident.  

I spoke to some parents on the night who were beaming as they talked about their child’s performance and being part of the production.  Families give a lot for their students to be part of performances often picking them up late at night and arranging transport to and from the school for rehearsal.  I was also reminded by a parent of the importance of the production in the culture of the school and how we must continue that next year as we evolve into the new entity.  The Arts is a vital part of education and I am sure the long and strong tradition at FCC will continue.  

I would like to acknowledge the following people for the wonderful commitment to ensuring our students had an experience that assisted them to develop as people and also provided them with memories that will last a lifetime.  

FCC Staff 

•    Emily Unt Wan – director

•    Malcolm Fretz – Hair / Make Up and Marketing

•    Margaret Erikson – Choreography

•    Jocelyn Jensen – Voice Instructor

•    Matthew Weeks – Set Design

•    Paul Dooley – Music Coordinator  

•    Piri Jakab Von Szengelice  - Lighting

•    Jane Bailey – Set Design 

Instrumental Music Teachers 

•    Nick Costanzo

•    Sam Olivieri

•    Peter Deryk 

Volunteers – ex students who have given of their time to assist the production 

•    Maddy Verson – costumes

•    Maxine Palmerson – dance 

•    Darcy Smith – Lighting 

Finally to all the students who were part of the performance, performers, backstage, lighting, sound, costumes it was a great show and you all did an excellent job.  Congratulations!

Angelique den Brinker  - Acting Principal