KOTA KINABALU: A sold-out two-night musical production at SRS Datuk Simon Fung provided students with an opportunity to develop confidence, creativity, and teamwork through the performing arts.
Headmistress Sister Carmen Cordova said students had been preparing for “Imagine a Dragon” since May, with rehearsals scheduled around their academic timetable to ensure they continued with their lessons.
She said the majority of students, teachers, parents, and staff collaborated on the production, with their efforts extending beyond the students’ stage performances.
She said this during her speech at the Auditorium JKKN here on Friday.
“Despite the challenges and long rehearsals, they persevered, collaborated, and brought this beautiful production to life,” she said.
Carmen explained that the school used a staggered timetable for rehearsals, with lower and upper primary students practising at different times while teachers and class teachers supervised the sessions.
She said students who were not involved in rehearsals remained in their classrooms with their subject teachers to ensure they did not miss any academic lessons.
She said the production encouraged students to discover and develop their unique talents, while giving them the confidence to take on new challenges and share their skills with others.
“Most importantly, thank you to the parents and teachers who give our children more than a performance. You have given them confidence, courage, friendship, teamwork, and precious memories that they will cherish for years to come,” she said.
Carmen added that teachers also played an important role in the production, with some contributing their creative and practical skills, including costume-making, while parents helped provide costumes and supported the students throughout the performances.
She said the support extended across the entire school community, with parents attending the show and both performances selling out.
She explained that the experience was consistent with the school’s emphasis on helping students develop beyond academic achievement through creative activities and teamwork.
Carmen added that the school would continue to encourage students to develop their talents, particularly through activities such as the Music Fest, which would take place over the following week.
The Music Fest will provide opportunities for interested students to participate in singing, musical instruments, solos, and duets, with qualified external judges overseeing the event.
She expressed hope that the musical experience would inspire students to be courageous and confident in developing their talents, while also taking pride in being SRS Datuk Simon Fung students.
“We want them to continue to shine, to spread the word about the school wherever they go, and, hopefully, to return and support the school as alumni,” she said.
Carmen also expressed appreciation to teachers, parents, staff, and students whose commitment and dedication made the production possible.
She said the musical was the result of teamwork, with teachers sharing their talents, skills, and knowledge while collaborating throughout the planning and preparation process.
