The UWCSEA East Circus Show: A Reaffirmation of Purpose

Life is punctuated by moments that realign your focus to the 'why.' They are sudden pauses that lift you out of going through the motions and illuminate your true purpose. Checkpoints that provide an essential chance to reflect on whether your current actions truly align with that 'why.' Signposts that allow you to feel content for having chosen this path. The East Circus show provided just this!

That's a bit heavy, I know. But here's how watching middle and high schoolers perform circus act brought that truth home.

Our school is defined by its five elements of holistic learning. This East Circus show was a compelling showcase where I witnessed all of those elements converge seamlessly. It was a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of Andrew Molitt and the whole team.

Bringing the five elements of the learning programme together required intentionality. I still recall what Andrew told me: "I always wanted to have OED part of the circus act." At first, I wondered why. Now, I understand his vision.

The process of prepping for the show gave me a powerful flash of nostalgia. I vividly recalled my own high school days. I found a profound sense of purpose whenever I was immersed in school events.

Our students today are no different. They were so excited to contribute. They were eager to help with literally anything. I saw the undeniable glow of purpose on one child's face when I asked him to be an assistant belayer backstage. I saw the pure delight of another student who was over the moon to hand me my unicycle. What I desired then and what they seek now is the same: the chance to be part of something bigger. They want the ability to contribute and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

This desire for purposeful contribution extends to the staff, who also need to feel belonged.

The dedication poured into the show by Andrew and the whole team (Sarah, George, Brett, and Irvin) was truly inspirational. While our duties often require us to contribute, I observed Andrew contributing out of pure interest, dedication, and passion—not merely to check a box.

This commitment raises an essential professional check-in: There are debates around compensating staff for contributions beyond the school day. While I wouldn't say no to a stipend for helping with the Circus, I firmly believe we need more of Andrew's spirit. We need staff who prioritize the student experience and are genuinely passionate about their work. These are the staff who go above and beyond. This is a powerful source of inspiration for both students and teachers alike.

Being backstage and seeing the commitment from both students and staff reaffirmed why I chose to work in this school. Often, we become so caught up in the daily grind that we lose our Sense of Direction. I am pleased to be in a place that values holistic learning, where staff are genuinely dedicated to ensuring our students feel a strong sense of belonging. I wish you too, get to pause from time to time to remember and celebrate your why.