In November 2020, the Year 6 student cohort at Matthew Flinders Anglican College admirably performed the vibrant Disney production of Moana Jr.
The students experienced the wonder of performing to a live audience in sold-out shows and on a professional stage in our Flinders Performance Centre venue.
The annual Year 6 Production is an exciting opportunity for our Senior Primary students, as leaders of the Primary School, to experience the creative arts, build their confidence, and work together as a team.
Naturally, the experience enables the group to build strong bonds and to each develop their self-confidence before the transition to our Flinders Secondary School in Year 7.
A note from the Producer, Flinders Head of Music, Mrs Lenora Phillips
"The Year 6 Production in 2020 was testament to the determination and resilience of Flinders’ Year 6 students and staff," Lenora said.
“The Moana Jr. journey started just as the COVID-19 remote learning phase began!
“As a result, auditions were submitted and casting was announced via video. Even the first seven weeks of rehearsals were delivered through pre-recorded and Webex lessons.
"The show was postponed, in the hope that it could be performed live to an audience at a future date.
“Once students returned to school they were socially distanced across the room and so, blocking – where we determine how the performers will move around the stage – was not yet possible.
"As restrictions eased, students embraced the opportunity to work together.
“Moana Jr. is an epic tale of self-discovery and camaraderie as Moana learns to harness the power that lies within. Our Year 6 students have embarked on a similar journey this year, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
“Throughout this process, I have witnessed our students 'step up' and become leaders, encouraging and helping those around them.
“Students have also developed their talents by contributing to the choreography, others have helped create sets or organised costumes. I've seen them grow in confidence and stage presence as they portrayed the rich characters.
“Every single student has remained excited and enthusiastic throughout the changing rehearsal methods. All students should be congratulated for what they have achieved this year.”
A note from our Head of Primary, Mrs Trudi Edwards
“If children are not introduced to music at an early age, I believe something fundamental is actually being taken from them.” – Luciano Pavarotti
“One of our cornerstone roles at Flinders is to provide our students with diverse and rich opportunities to engage in the creative arts,” Trudi said.
“We want our students to be curious, to experience the joy that comes with teamwork, to challenge themselves, and to step out of their comfort zones in order to build confidence as they explore their creativity.
“This is why, along with making lifetime memories, our annual Year 6 Musical Production is such a treasured and eagerly anticipated part of our Year 6 students’ experience each year.
“And whilst this year provided some challenges, both staff and students knew that ‘the show must go on’, and it has!
“Moana Jr. has given our students an opportunity to step into their role as leaders of our Primary School and to be part of something bigger than themselves.
“It has been wonderful to watch students explore their strengths in the different aspects of a musical production, from singing to story and scriptwriting, prop building to costume design and creation.
“The Year 6 production is also an opportunity for students to build a strong bond as a cohort – positive preparation for their transition to Flinders Secondary next year.
“Our sincere thanks and admiration goes to Head of Primary Music, Mrs Lenora Phillips for her unwavering commitment and passion as Producer of this 2020 production.
“With the support of the production staff team, Lenora has inspired and guided our students through the process of creating Moana Jr., ensuring that it is a happy and memorable event for our College community.
“This year, the project was made all the more interesting as we adapted to remote learning and social distancing restrictions brought on by a global pandemic!
“To staff and parents, thank you for your support in all that we do at Flinders. We are fortunate to have such a caring and positive community.”
