I was filled with such pride and emotion on Tuesday night watching the culmination of many months of hard work come together. Words cannot express my feelings enough.
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the production of Ali Baba possible.
A production like this does not happen by chance. It takes dedication, commitment, teamwork, and an enormous amount of love. Tuesday’s performance was a testament to all of those things, and I could not be more grateful to the incredible staff, children, and families
of Edenhurst.
Musical theatre has been a huge part of my life throughout most of my 35-year career. I have been Director of Music at Edenhurst for almost ten years and, during that time, have had the privilege of producing seven shows. It would have been nine, had Covid not intervened.
I have loved every production we have created together, but this one will stay in my heart forever.
As every Prep 6 class does, this year’s children eagerly awaited the announcement of their end-of-year production. When they discovered it was Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits, excitement filled the room. Auditions began, parts were cast, rehearsals started, and the children threw themselves into every moment.
Then, three months later, everything changed. In March, we received the devastating news that our wonderful school would be closing.
We were shocked. Heartbroken. The uncertainty that followed was one of the most emotional periods many of us have ever experienced. But the show had to go on.
The show had become about far more than a performance. It had become something the children deserved. Something they needed.
The challenge was that there simply weren’t enough children left to fill all the roles.
So, I approached the staff and asked if they would be willing to join the cast.
To my delight, without hesitation — perhaps helped along by a little gentle persuasion and arm-twisting — they said YES.I was completely overwhelmed by their response.
What followed was teamwork at its absolute best. Edenhurst at its absolute best.
Mrs Nash immediately rolled up her sleeves and threw herself into organising costumes and props. She spent countless hours sourcing everything we needed. Mrs Mousley very kindly agreed to approve the bills! Staff and pupils got cracking on producing the fantastic props. Staff meetings were replaced with staff rehearsals. Teaching them all to sing and dance was challenging but great fun. Mrs Barker, well what can I say. A pure natural on stage. They all stepped out of their comfort zone and gave willingly of their time.
Meanwhile, all of us were facing the reality of redundancy. It was one of the most challenging periods of our professional lives. And yet, through it all, the support, kindness, and friendship shown by this staff team was simply extraordinary.
They learned songs, dances, and lines. They attended rehearsals, and many extra rehearsals, in their own time. They gave everything they had to ensure your children would have the wonderful experience they deserved.
That commitment, that determination, and that love has brought us together for our last play representing Edenhurst. And what a night it was! The children have been absolutely fantastic. I could not be prouder of every single one of them. I hope they leave Eedenhurst carrying happy memories not only of this performance, but of all the years they have spent at Edenhurst.
To my colleagues, thank you.
Thank you for your dedication.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for your commitment.
But above all, thank you for your friendship.
There is sadness in closing this chapter, but there is also immense gratitude. As we all move on to new adventures in September, we will take a piece of Edenhurst with us.
Buildings may close, but the spirit of the school lives on in the people who were part of it. The friendships we made, the lives we touched, and the memories we created together can never be taken away.
Edenhurst will remain in our hearts forever. Ali Baba will remain in our hearts forever!
Wishing you all the very best for the future.
Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart.
Sandra Jones
