I probably would be rocking the boat if I did not start my blog this week expressing my delight, pride, amazement and excitement at the two performances of “Guys and Dolls”. This ambitious production was carried off with energy, skill and commitment by a huge team of children and staff. Thank you doesn’t quite seem a strong enough response to what happened at the Stag theatre on Tuesday. From the opening cityscape scene bustling with life and focused performances from almost everyone in Year 5, to the rousing big numbers and finale, so much talent was showcased. The audience became completely absorbed in the intertwining stories of Nathan and Miss Adelaide and Sky and Miss Sarah. I congratulate Ollie, Josh, Camille and Megan for their incredibly accomplished solo rôles. Polished, professional, at ease on stage, no-one present could really believe that these pupils are all 13 and under.
Many many other stars brought humour to the show through their focused performances, revealing the total personality of characters developed just as much when they weren’t speaking as when they were. In the acting, we also saw the talent of our Head of Drama, whose direction and teaching enabled the whole show to happen. Alan Powell should be extremely proud.
As for the costumes, they were magnificent and Ali Chugg has to be congratulated on masterminding the wardrobe as well as the props for this show. It has been almost a full-time job. Down in the orchestral pit, on the hottest day of the year, the heat was definitely on and not just because Big Julie was in town. A marvellous band of peripatetic teachers and their colleagues impressed everyone with their energetic and lively playing under the talented baton of our very own Mr Baird. We were delighted in turn by the clever scenery and set, complete with flashing Hotbox signs, whole stage cabaret lights and revolving scenery, all made by our very own Darryl Edwards. Into this magnificent set came beautifully choreographed dancing and show scenes, eye-catching, clever, and beautifully performed. Congratulations to Mary Bridges, the choreographer for these exceptional moments.
And then of course behind the scenes were rafts of others without whom this would not have happened; Carol Bent who produced the show, Rachael Newton the prompt, Jack Bennett who played piano in all the weekend rehearsals at school. Supporting them were scores of parents and other staff on the green room and backstage duties, hair and make-up, some of whom made a fleeting appearance as giant chickens during the show!
Congratulations to every single person involved in any way in the show. Thanks guys you’ve made one Headteacher doll very happy indeed.
Bromley High
A couple of weeks ago, I very much enjoyed a visit to Bromley High.
Its distinctly 80s exterior hides within it an impressive, beautifully designed and visually stimulating learning environment. There was a very creative buzz about the school and having been judged exceptional in its last ISI inspection, I understand why. Girls looking for an adventurous and forward-looking single sex school should definitely go and meet the head and find out more.
It was fantastic to have all the staff celebrate our inspection with governors yesterday at school. Governors entertained the staff to drinks and thanked them for the excellent results obtained in March.
We in turn thanked them for everything they give to the school and in particular we thanked Alex Glenister, former parent and governor at the school for 13 years for her unstinting support and practical help as she retires from this position at St Michael’s Prep. Knowing her, she’ll be back soon for the next play! She will always be welcome and a part of the school.
It has been nice to have feedback from the Prep parents, whose children are winning prizes next week, that they are excited to know this in advance. All parents whose children will receive an award individually or as part of a team have had an email today. We look forward to welcoming Alex Caan to talk to the children about his mentoring work with international athletes.
I am delighted to congratulate Ishwar Sharma on winning two gold medals in the ISC World Games in Nepal. 1000 people took part from 16 countries. He won gold in the individual yoga Under 8 category and in the open group artistic yoga with his father, representing Great Britain. We look forward next term to another presentation from Ishwar in assembly about the experience of travelling to compete at the world games and all that he learnt about Nepal itself.
If you’d been down to the woods today, you sure would have had a surprise. Polar bears, snakes, lions, flamingos and a menagerie of other fantastic beasts have trotted about the Saint Michael’s lands in pursuit of fundraising efforts for animal-related and other charities; the Worldwide Fund for Nature, Battersea Dogs and Cats home and Demelza House.
With excitement building up for the overnight camp out tonight and the barbecue and evening fun ahead, this is a delightful end to a crazily busy week.
If you’re not here this weekend I hope you enjoy it, if you are you’re bound to.
See you soon.
Jill Aisher
