RIS Elementary School Christmas Show 2024
On December 13, 2024, the RIS Ruamrudee International School Elementary School community came together to celebrate the holiday season with their annual Christmas show, “Joy to the World! – A Nativity Celebration,“ at the Performing Arts Center (PAC). This cherished tradition has been a cornerstone of the RIS Catholic community since the 1960s, and this year’s production was an extraordinary tribute to faith, hope, joy, peace, love, and generosity. Featuring two performances at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., the event inspired unity and holiday spirit among attendees while showcasing the remarkable talents of RIS students.
Under the creative direction of Performing Arts teacher Ms. Kristania Fanega, the production shone with a grandeur befitting the season. Reflecting on her educational philosophy, Ms. Fanega shared, “My approach as a Performing Arts teacher focuses on creating a supportive environment where students can confidently express themselves and engage in their learning. I aim to inspire students to explore their creative potential, nurture their artistic skills and self-confidence, and cultivate a deep appreciation for the arts.”
The program was a vibrant, multi-scene depiction of the Nativity story, brought to life by all 16 elementary school classes. Each performance carried a meaningful theme, accompanied by heartfelt music and stellar acting. The show opened with the Royal Anthem and a welcome speech by Fr. Pete Jittapol Plangklang, C.Ss.R., setting the tone for a meaningful celebration.
Scene 1: The Annunciation
Theme: Believe
Characters: Mary, Angel Gabriel, Angels
Performances:
Believer (Grade 3-2)
Count On Me (KG-1)
When I Grow Up (Grade 2-1)
Scene 2: The Journey to Bethlehem
Theme: Hope
Characters: Mary, Joseph, Townspeople, Innkeeper
Performances:
High Hopes (Grade 3-1)
Symphony (Grade 5-2)
Something Just Like This (Grade 2-3)
Scene 3: The Birth of Jesus
Theme: Peace
Characters: Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus
Performances:
7 Years (Grade 4-2)
A Million Dreams (Grade 5-1)
Do You Want to Build a Snowman / In Summer (KG-2)
Scene 4: The Shepherds and Angels
Theme: Joy
Characters: Shepherds, Angels
Performances:
Happiness / Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Grade 1-3)
Can’t Stop the Feeling (Grade 3-3)
Where Are You Christmas? / Feliz Navidad (Grade 1-2)
Scene 5: The Visit of the Wise Men
Theme: Giving
Characters: Wise Men, Star
Performances:
Flashlight (Grade 2-2)
See You Again (Grade 5-3)
Scene 6: The Family in the Stable
Theme: Love
Characters: Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus
Performances:
I See the Light / Let It Snow (Grade 1-1)
Love Story (Grade 4-1)
Scene 7: Joy to the World!
Theme: Celebration
Performances:
Final Tableau: All Characters Gather to Celebrate
- Joy to the World (Whole ES Performance)
The show concluded with a heartwarming finale, where all elementary school students gathered to sing “Joy to the World,” leaving the audience uplifted and filled with the holiday spirit. The dedication of the students, under Ms. Fanega’s guidance, brought this cherished story to life in a way that was both meaningful and memorable. The event closed with a speech by Ms. Madeleine Bystrom, Elementary School Principal, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved. Parents, faculty, and students left the PAC with smiles and renewed holiday cheer, a testament to the power of community and the true meaning of Christmas.
Merry Christmas from all of us at RIS!
