During the past few weeks top-performing students in schools all over the island were rewarded during Prize Day ceremonies which also served to showcase the schools' musical, singing and acting talents and transmit subtle messages.
St Monica School, Gżira, organised a performance of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Cecil Chircop, Brian Vella and Carmelo Mamo designed and constructed the magnificent and authentic car for the star role. Another first was the use of filming by George Bonello to project background scenery. Just as Caracatus Potts sings in one of the songs - team-work can make a dream-work - putting up the musical was indeed a very challenging task made possible by the school's dedicated team and the students' enthusiasm.
At St Theresa College's Birkirkara primary school about 90 Year 4 children, presented John Gleadall's musical The Button Box. The story behind each button was revealed through a collection of songs with a 'round the world' flavour, including Malta. The musical was chosen to highlight the diversity of our beautiful world.
Diversity was also the underlying theme of the drama 'Tick Tock' performed by Year 4 pupils at St Bernadette 'B' primary school, San Ġwann. Based on David Campton's work Them and Us and directed by the school's drama teacher Valerie Blow, it showed how injustice, intolerance, pride, prejudice, war, hatred and discrimination are illness of today's society. The programme also included a piano recital of inter-national works under Mro Raymond Storace's musical direction.
Vampires, ghouls, mummies and zombies featured in a very vibrant Prize Day production entitled Dracula Spectacula at Maria Assumpta girls' secondary school, Hamrun. Music teacher Mark Cachia wrote most of the musical scores and lyrics.
Guest speaker Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco spoke on responsible parenthood and the importance of having a motivating environment at home.
Headmaster Ray Vella spoke of the school's commitment to provide for children with special needs and to offer under-achievers basic skills programmes. He also expressed concern over cases of inept parenting and frivolous absenteeism, often condoned by medical certificates, and the 50-year-old state school's bad state of repair.
Absenteeism was the theme focused on in the play Ma Mmurx Skola, Ma Mmurx Żgur! penned and directed by Clare Azzopardi for the Prize Day ceremony at St Clare College's Gżira boys' secondary school. It also included subtle messages on inclusiveness, support, and determination. Education Minister Dolores Cristina presented the prizes and special awards.
Prize Day at Lily of the Valley girls' secondary school, Mosta, which forms part of Maria Regina College, featured a performance of Arabian Nights with a difference. The various characters were given a humourous twist, creating a panto-like atmosphere. To mark the school's 40th anniversary the school council invited the 11 preceding heads to the Prize Day ceremony and their names were engraved on a marble tableau set up at the school's entrance.
Ms Cristina also addressed the audience and distributed prizes to students.