Verse 1
(Vocal Fry on the opening note, moving into Unison)
The year is turning, the vision is clear,
The schedule is set for our children this year.
While you rest in the village or walk by the sea,
Listen, teachers, to this urgent decree:
(Vocal Chase: "Listen teachers... follow up... check the list...")
Follow up your appointments while the holiday stays,
Don't wait for the morning of the first school days.
Check your status, confirm where you stand,
Ready to serve across this great land.
Chorus 1
(Adult Choir - Open Harmony / Belting)
Teachers, resume! January 19!
The first light of duty, let your presence be seen!
Students, resume! January 26!
A week for the planning, no time for the tricks!
(Call and Response)
Call: Will you be there?
Response: On the nineteenth day!
Call: Will you be ready?
Response: To lead the way!
(Phrased Unison)
Commence on time, every school, every grade,
For the future of PNG, the foundation is laid!
Verse 2
(Duet - Close Harmony)
The teams are moving, the paperwork is near,
The Resumption Forms are traveling here.
(Homophony)
Don’t look for them elsewhere, or leave them behind,
Fill them at the school, keep the records aligned.
From the coast to the highlands, the message is sent,
Ten weeks for the terms, with a holy intent.
Eleven for the final, the finish is grand,
With STEM and certificates throughout the land.
Chorus 2
(Adult Choir - Octave Doubling and Parallel Doubling)
Teachers, resume! January 19!
The first light of duty, let your presence be seen!
Students, resume! January 26!
A week for the planning, no time for the tricks!
(Call and Response)
Call: Sign the forms!
Response: At the schoolhouse door!
Call: Start the work!
Response: Like never before!
(Final Chorus crescendo - Full Choir - Belting)
Commence on time, let the message resound,
On January 19, let the teachers be found!
Outro
(Slow Unison fading into a whisper)
Planning today... for the children tomorrow.
January 19... we begin.
