At my first staff meeting as Principal of RETNS came the annual question –“ What will we do for Winterfest this year?”
“Maybe it’s time for another whole school performance,” said one voice.
“Yes, why don’t we do that,” said another.
“Are you sure?” I cautioned, being new to the job of Principal and wanting to make sure they wouldn’t take on too much. After all, it’s not an easy job taking on to do a whole school performance in a primary school while still carrying on classes as normal. But they were sure. “It’ll be good, let’s do it.”
Once the idea took root it couldn’t be stopped. And so, with everyone’s agreement, Winterfest 2013, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was born.
We had the idea so now we needed a script. A team volunteered to work on that and adapt the story for our school. I’m reliably told they were up until after midnight on a Friday night getting it finished! As always our main priority had to be having something in the show for each and every child in the school. But there were also some main parts to fill – so next came the auditions. For days children were practising lines, dancing and singing at every opportunity, in the hope of getting their chosen part. In the end I’m sure there were some disappointments as the staff felt that there was just so much talent to choose from. Still, all the children knew there would be something for everyone, and they were all happy to proceed.
Once the parts were decided rehearsals began, while behind the scenes the Willy Wonka factory cranked into operation. A call went out to parents for help with the costumes and props, and did that help come! Before long there were groups of parents in the multi-purpose room making buttons, groups of parents on the stage assessing what would be needed by way of scenery and props, groups of parents meeting in houses to discuss what they could do to help. It soon became a whole-school community in action. While regular classes were still continuing for the children, a whole flurry of activity was going on behind the scenes! We even had an unexpected offer of help with the dance routines, which we gratefully accepted. Catherine worked with some of the classes and turned ordinary dances into something amazing!
As the day of Winterfest approached the activity intensified. Teachers and SNAs met on numerous occasions after school to clarify progress and iron out any problems. Nothing was too much to do in an attempt to put on the best show possible and to give the children as much enjoyment in the process as possible. With all hands on deck, last minute frantic efforts were made to get everything finished. I’m sure at home nerves have been frayed and patience tested, but it school everyone has remained calm and good-humoured. It has been real teamwork at its best!
And finally the day arrived. From the opening curtain it was obvious to see that all the hard work had paid off. The backdrop and props were stunning, the costumes amazing, and most importantly, each child on the stage felt special and proud to be part of the performance. Thanks to the hard work of the production team, the children’s voices were clearer than ever, they moved expertly on stage, they sang and danced beautifully, and above all they thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
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