Preparation, Performance, and Purpose  

Today, I was privileged to be present at the dress rehearsal of our upper primary concert.  The excitement of the students who so readily remembered their lines and the gentle directives of teachers and SSOs made for what, to me, was a very good rehearsal.  For Year 5 and 6, these 58 minutes on stage are the preparation for the grand culmination of countless hours of practice, correction, and anticipation. Yet, as we anticipate the final applause, I  cannot help but wonder—how much unseen labour stitched together what will soon be fleeting moment? 

The preparation for the performance is a combination of small efforts and collective determination. While the show itself may last less than an hour, the journey to that point is long and layered. Each student, whether singing, dancing, acting, or working backstage, must learn lines, rehearse movements, memorise cues, and master the art of confidence in front of an audience. Teachers have moved from educators to directors, motivators, costume managers, and—sometimes—quiet encouragers in moments of nervousness. The staff have handled everything with precision, from managing microphones to ensuring costumes are crisp and ready. 

Such preparation is neither glamourous nor easy. It is found in the repetition of songs and lines,  and the patience required to perfect a group routine. There have been moments of frustration, laughter, minor mishaps, and breakthroughs. Every small effort—each rehearsal, reminder, and adjustment—are all threads that will have been woven into the final tapestry of performance. 

Why do we invest so deeply in preparation, knowing the spotlight will be brief?  You will agree that the process is about growth. For students, these hours of preparation are lessons in discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-expression. For teachers and staff, they are exercises in leadership, adaptability, and nurturing potential. The performance becomes a symbol of shared labour and the joy of accomplishment. 

In life, there are no retakes or rewinds. How do you build the foundation for moments of achievement and significance?