Prize day at St Monica School

This year's prize-giving ceremony at St Monica School, Birkirkara, focused on holistic education and how this concept is put into practice at the school.

The ceremony, presided over by US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro, brought out the diversity of talents and aptitudes of the students attending the school.

The Head Girl's welcome address emphasised this diversity and the way, in keeping with the school ethos, each student is encouraged and helped to fully develop her potential.

The evening's programme began with a performance by the school choir, directed by Sr Vania Bonello and Sr Pauline Micallef, and the school orchestra conducted by Mrs Anna Zammit. Both gave ample proof of the musical talents of students from both the primary and secondary schools.

School head Antoinette Pace referred to the outstanding importance that the National Minimum Curriculum gives to the holistic development of all students. Taking as her starting point Martin Luther King's words: "Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education", she highlighted the various activities organised by the school to achieve this goal.

The much-awaited Prize Day performance brought together the various talents and efforts of a number of students and adult helpers under the able direction of Expressive Arts teacher Rita Vassallo.

This year, the musical Pocahontas, based on the encounter between the colonisers of James-town, Virginia, who arrived on an English ship in search of gold in North America and the native Powhatan tribe, was performed.

The set, constructed and designed by George Apap and Claudio Apap and decorated by Charles Bezzina, immediately transported the audience to Powhatan territory. With the beautiful costumes and music, it created a magical atmosphere. The moving and talking Willow Tree, in particular, elicited some well-deserved spontaneous applause.

The young actresses, dancers, singers and musicians gave a performance worthy of a more experienced cast. The play was followed by the prize-giving ceremony during which Ambassador Bordonaro distributed the prizes. Qualities of character and outstanding achievements were also rewarded.

Mrs Bordonaro congratulated the students who had taken part in the programme and expressed her family's appreciation and enjoyment of the performance. She encouraged all the students to aim for excellence and to do their very best to achieve their dreams. Her words struck a chord with the audience, who responded with sincere applause.

The ambassador was presented with a painting of scenes of the Maltese Islands by an art student.