Parish Magazine article – October edition

As we embark on a new academic year, I’m delighted to welcome our new pupils and their families to the Amport Church of England Primary School.  As well as our Reception children, who have settled in remarkably well, we also have new pupils starting in all other class.  We do still have two spaces available in Reception, so please do spread the word!

I would also like to extend a particular welcome to our two new part-time Teaching Assistants and Lunchtime Supervisors: Mrs Gemma Mathias (no relation, that we are aware of, to our Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Claire Mathias!) and Mrs Heather McLay. 

We have a very busy start to the term, with educational visits planned for Years 1, 2, 3 and 4, within the first few weeks.  Years 5 and 6 will also be heading off to Osmington Bay for their much anticipated, week-long residential.  I very much look forward to reporting back on these trips later in the term.

For now, I’d like to look back on one of the greatest highlights of our school year – the Key Stage 2 theatrical production of Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits.

A 55 strong cast took to the stage, to perform this hilarious musical comedy to parents, Governors and members of the wider community, over three evenings in June.

Year 5 and 6 pupils did a fantastic job of taking on the major roles with some sharing the larger speaking parts, ably supported by other children in years 3, 4 and 5. 

With Alakazam (played by Lewis and Charlie) setting the scene and cleverly binding the story together, the audience was transported to the ancient city of Baghdad.  Here, in the city’s bazaar, chaos reigns as a ruthless band of robbers, led by Balthazar Bongo (a role shared by Emma and Isabelle) are running riot.  Sultan Pepper (played by Emily and Sam) is sulking after his precious royal ruby and his daughter, Princess Satsuma (played by Amelia and Isla), have mysteriously vanished.  It is up to Ali Baba (a role shared by Ethan and Toby), his tap-dancing camel (played by Drew and Jacob) and the Genie of the (Ketchup!) Bottle (played by Tallulah) to take on these bungling Bongo Bandits and save the day.  Their efforts are temporarily thwarted, however, by the Sultan’s trusted Vizier (played by Hetty and Thea), who, it is later revealed, is the true mastermind behind the criminal gang.

This fast-paced show was packed with catchy songs, comic one-liners and, at times, hilarious sound effects.  The stunning costumes, kindly provided by parents and a myriad of props expertly made by Mrs Brawn, and a giant replica tomato ketchup bottle made by Mrs Scott, all added to this energetic and colourful production.

The children all performed their parts with aplomb, delivering the slap-stick humour with amazing skill and comic timing.  They enjoyed showcasing their singing, dancing and acting talents and it was lovely to hear the audience react so positively.

Huge congratulations to all the children, but most importantly, to Mrs Mathias who produced and directed the play with Miss Howell.  Thanks to their hard work, encouragement and dedication throughout the many hours of rehearsals, the children performed an end of year production that the whole school was incredibly proud of.

Bernadette Fleet