On Saturday, November 30th, Okinawa Amicus Elementary School held its “Performance Day.” In the morning session, the 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders presented their performances, while in the afternoon session, the 2nd, 4th, and 6th graders showcased their choral singing.

The 1st graders performed “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” vividly bringing to life the story they had become so familiar with. Their adorable acting brought a constant smile to my face.

The 3rd graders presented a story titled “The Shisa and the Merlion,” in which a little Shisa travels to Singapore to meet the Merlion. The imaginative and heartwarming story left a deep impression on me.

The 5th graders’ performance, “Immigrants to Brazil,” touched on the history of Okinawan immigration, allowing the audience to learn about the roots of Okinawan people and their connections with the world. The 5th graders’ compelling and realistic acting was truly remarkable and deeply moving.

The afternoon session began with a performance by the Amicus Choir, followed by choral presentations by the 2nd, 4th, and 6th graders. The beautiful harmonies and powerful singing voices resonated throughout the venue.

While Amicus is known as an “English Immersion School,” the quality of both the morning and afternoon performances made me feel as if it were an “Actors’ School.” However, this level of excellence is precisely what defines Amicus. Through their pursuit of high-level performances, the students experienced the joy of respecting others, working together, creating something new, and expressing themselves. I believe that some students may have gained confidence in their abilities by touching the hearts of the audience. Additionally, the collective choral singing allowed them to experience the beauty of music and nurtured their emotional richness, which I am confident aligns with the educational philosophy of Amicus.

I was struck by the creativity and ingenuity of the Amicus teachers, who guided the students. From stage design to video production, music, and props, their work was filled with innovative ideas.

Moving forward, the Amicus faculty and staff will continue to work together in our daily educational activities so that the students can fully embrace their individuality and deliver outstanding performances on the grand stage of life.