Edleen learners shine in Christmas production

Laerskool Edleen was filled with festive cheer from October 27 to 30 as parents and staff gathered to watch 791 learners take part in the school’s Christmas production.

Titled The Little Star Who Went Missing, the production featured learners from Grade RRR to Grade 7 and shared a message of love, kindness and faith.

Its central message was that when people follow love, kindness and faith, they shine brighter than they could ever imagine, and that no light is too small to make a difference in the world.According to event organiser Erika Vermaak, the school decided it was time to stage another large-scale production, having last presented one before the Covid-19 pandemic.

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“The last time we staged a production on this scale was before Covid-19, and we knew it was time to do it again because our children enjoy performing so much. We also wanted to present a Christmas play as a way of giving thanks to the Lord for blessing our school over the past 53 years,” said Vermaak.

Planning began in January, with learners starting rehearsals in April. Vermaak praised the teachers for their work in choreographing the various grade groups and preparing the learners for the performances.

The school wanted to involve as many learners as possible while keeping production costs manageable. Different T-shirts were printed for each group, with teacher Anrica Coetzer overseeing the process.

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“Most of our props were ordered online, while the decorations were created by our very own creative staff member, Melanie Swart. The sound and lighting were professionally managed by Heartbeat Sound Productions,” said Vermaak.

The response from parents and the wider community exceeded the school’s expectations, with the hall packed on all four evenings.

Vermaak said one of the most memorable highlights was seeing the children’s faces light up as they sang and danced on stage.
She added that the organising team did not experience any major challenges and was grateful for the support received throughout the production.

The school hopes the experience helped learners develop confidence in performing in front of an audience, while also leaving them with a lasting message about the difference every individual can make, regardless of how small they may feel.

Although financial constraints mean the school cannot stage a production of this scale every year, Vermaak assured the community that it would not be another eight years before they did so again.