A Heartfelt Thank You for Dot & the Kangaroo JR.

Written by Kayla McNaught and Kiah Stapleton, Junior School Musical Directors

It has been a true privilege to direct Dot and the Kangaroo JR. as this year’s Junior School Musical. Over the past eight weeks, we have witnessed something incredibly special—a cast and crew of more than 120 students come together to bring this uniquely Australian story to life with such joy, dedication and heart.

From the very first rehearsal, our students embraced their roles with enthusiasm and care. Whether playing a kookaburra, a wombat or Dot herself, each performer has brought authenticity, humour and spirit to the stage. They’ve explored not only the magic of the bush, but the deeper messages of friendship, resilience and compassion that sit at the heart of the show.

Behind the scenes, our crew has worked just as tirelessly. From managing set changes to designing costumes and operating lights, every detail has contributed to an immersive experience that transported audiences straight into the Blue Mountains of the 1800s. It’s been a joy to watch students flourish in both performing and production roles.

Of course, this production could not have come together without the unwavering support of our staff. Thank you to the many teachers and team members who offered their time, expertise and encouragement throughout this journey. Whether building sets, assisting with choreography, helping wrangle costumes or supporting students during rehearsals, your contributions have been invaluable.

To our school community—thank you for cheering us on. And to the parents and caregivers who helped make this experience possible, your support behind the scenes has been deeply appreciated.

Directing Dot and the Kangaroo JR. has been a heartwarming reminder of the power of storytelling and teamwork. Watching our students step into their roles, support one another and grow in confidence has been the highlight of our year.

Congratulations to all involved. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.

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