91������

A disappointing and difficult decision: College Musical 2022
A message from the Principal
 
Dear College community,
 
I write to advise that the College Musical for 2022, Strictly Ballroom, will no longer go ahead in its usual form. The shows scheduled for 9-12 August have been cancelled.
 
Rehearsals for the Musical have taken place for the past several months and these have been impacted by restrictions earlier this year, COVID and flu-related illnesses, isolation requirements, and problems around access to musicians. 
 
We also factored in the following:

• Catholic Education has advised schools to restrict visitors.
• The performance would be heavily impacted by just a singular case of COVID-19 among our cast and crew. Several cases among the cast and crew would require the show to be cancelled altogether.
• We believed it would be better to make the decision now, rather than cancel shows during the performance week.
• The risk to 300 guests in the theatre each night would be high, especially given the rising case numbers of COVID-19 in the ACT.
• Due to licensing fees, performing to a reduced audience would not be viable.
• The license poses problems around live streaming the production.

I wrote to the community on Tuesday about the priorities for the College and action we would need to take to keep those priorities. It was hoped at the time of writing that the musical could proceed. After further discussion with the Producer and other teachers involved, we believe that any kind of quality will be difficult to guarantee and that the production itself may not be possible. 
 
It has been decided that much of the work undertaken by students and teachers should not be lost. Mindful of this, the College will provide opportunities for aspects of the Musical to be performed at upcoming Awards Assemblies and, if possible, at a Senior Showcase event and at Variety Night. You will appreciate that some of these events, while being planned for, are not certain to go ahead either.
 
I have attended every Musical at this school since my appointment as Principal and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Please know that I share your disappointment with this decision. The Musical is central to the cultural and community life of the College. 
 
Next year is the Silver Jubilee of 91������ and I look forward to a lavish Musical performance as part of those celebrations.
 
If you have purchased tickets to Strictly Ballroom:
Please contact Mr Robert Jonas (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you purchased tickets to the Musical.  Mr Jonas will organise your refund/credit to school fees.
 
Thank you for your understanding and forbearance regarding this news. Please know that your disappointment is widely shared.
 
Yours in St Mary 91������,
 
Michael Lee
College Principal