Mark Ramsay, Principal
What a thrill it has been to experience the joy and wonder of Shrek the Musical Jr. these last few weeks!
From the moment we first announced this production, excitement filled the air—which is so much better than swamp odour! The show has been everything we could have hoped for and more. I can still recall the awe and wonder of experiencing this musical for the first time on Opening Night—the vibrant characters, the clever dialogue, and a powerful message that has lingered in my heart. This musical goes beyond mere entertainment; it is a heartfelt tribute to embracing our differences, nurturing friendships, and valuing the unique contribution each person brings. As Shrek wisely put it, “Every swamp, like every person, is unique, and that’s what makes the world such an interesting place.” But Shrek was not the first person to recognise this. When King David wrote Psalm 139 thousands of years ago, he praised God that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made. Each one of us is a unique creation of God!
As we follow Shrek and his friends on their whimsical adventures, we witness the profound value of teamwork and mutual respect. We are reminded of the strength that is found in unity, just like the Apostle Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 12:14: “Our bodies don’t have just one part. They have many parts” (CEV). Shrek’s words resonate deeply: “Now, come on, everybody in. We’ve got a long journey ahead of us. We’re going to need each other.” It is vitally important that communities come together and support one another. This musical production was a wonderful example of this.
At Kuyper, we cherish every student’s contribution, whether in the spotlight or working tirelessly behind the scenes. Each role, no matter how big or small, is vital. This performance stood as a testament to the boundless creativity and collaboration of our students, and it provided an opportunity for our young people to flourish!
Huge thanks and congratulations must go to every member of the cast, every member of the stage and tech crews, and every member of the Production Team. I am so privileged to be the Principal of a school like Kuyper, where every person’s unique contribution is valued and celebrated. I literally had tears in my eyes as I listened to the climactic song—This Is Our Story. Musical productions do tell ‘our story’. It is a story that declares God’s goodness to us in how He has blessed us with talents and the opportunity to use them.
Psalm 139: 14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
