Dear Parents and Students,
After the completion of the second performance of "Arts in Action," tears flowed uncontrollably from my eyes.
Witnessing our students, after a whole year of training and rehearsals—physically and mentally exhausted—still able to showcase their most brilliant, most touching, and most passionate side on stage, leaving the audience with unforgettable moments and touching every heart, I am truly filled with gratitude. Every student shone like a gem on stage.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Arts in Action" at Pooi To, we decided to combine a variety show with a splendid performance of Peter Pan the Musical. As is our practice every year, the Arts Education Committee began planning as early as eight months ago, allowing students' performing arts potential to be properly nurtured and developed before being displayed on the Pooi To stage. In terms of wearable art, students started from scratch and spent nine months designing a costume themed "My Childhood," which was truly thoughtful. Additionally, in the S4 Music classes, students have the opportunity to learn different musical instruments. This year, a group of S4 representatives performed the Chinese drum. They walked onto the stage with great poise, delivering a vibrant opening with their uniform rhythm and passion. Furthermore, this year's Chinese dance, Song of Fishing, which won the Award of Distinction at the 62nd School Dance Festival, featured graceful movements, flowing water sleeves, and a picturesque quality. In addition, the Western dance (group category), which won the Gold Award at this year's School Dance Festival, showed nimble footwork, lively rhythms, and vibrant energy. Adding to this were the band, orchestra, a cappella group, and choir—all multiple award-winners at the Hong Kong Inter-school Music Competition —who also showcased their talents in "Arts in Action". They dedicated the entire year to preparation and rehearsals, leaving the audience dazzled and delighted.
After the intermission, we entered the world of Peter Pan the Musical. I wonder if you noticed that many of the lead roles in the afternoon and evening performances were played by different students. This was to increase opportunities for student participation and to teach them to cherish their one and only chance to display their artistic talents. Thus, every role was performed with the utmost dedication and effort.
The story takes place one night in London, where Peter Pan, a boy who can fly, flies into the nursery of the Darling children and takes Wendy and her brothers to the magical Neverland. There, they meet the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell the fairy, and the villainous Captain Hook. Peter Pan never wants to grow up; his greatest pride is in keeping his childlike heart forever. Wendy takes on the role of "little mother" in Neverland and engages in fierce battles with Captain Hook. After a thrilling pirate battle, Peter Pan defeats Captain Hook, pushing him overboard to become a snack for the crocodile. In the end, Wendy and her brothers choose to return to their home in London because she has understood the meaning of growing up. Peter Pan, however, chooses to stay in Neverland, forever a boy who refuses to grow up, continuing his never-ending childhood adventures.
This is an eternal story about innocence, courage, and growing up. Everyone has the right to choose their own way of life. We must learn to respect that, and also be grateful for the growth and joy that everyone brings to us along our life's journey. This performance shows that our students have a heart that pursues excellence and enables them to break through their own limits.
Of course, we have not forgotten the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including the photography team who captured the highlights of both performances, the makeup team, the etiquette ambassadors who welcomed our guests, the ticketing team, the costume team who managed over a hundred outfits, the agile backstage crew, the lively and engaging emcee team, and our dedicated janitorial staff who worked together daily to transport props and decorations to the venue. I am truly beyond words with gratitude.
I would also like to thank the director, Ms. Michelle Li, and her team. They have built wonderful relationships with the students, directed with calm confidence, and strived for perfection. Of course, my greatest thanks go to Ms. Vivian Yung and the "Arts Education Committee" she leads. Along with the students, parents, teachers, and staff, and relying on their perseverance and passion, they have ultimately overcome every challenge.
Finally, I sincerely thank all parents for your continued support and trust. Let us continue to join hands, protect every child, and let them shine with their unique brilliance on their very own stage.
May God bless you and keep you - Thank you!
Best Regards,
C. Cheung
