School Highlights (cont'd)

Performing Arts

OLIVER TWIST - IT’S A FINE LIFE!

Camilla Fiorini, Director of Marketing and Development

Kilvington held the 2023 Senior School production of Oliver! at Dalton Hall from 18 to 20 May. And what a fine production it was! Congratulations to the cast and crew for bringing this classic to life over three glorious nights.

This grim story is one that Director Andrew Johnson did not shy away from. Throughout the entire show, the dark underbelly of poverty and violence of early 20th century London simmered threateningly. When the feared eruptions finally arrived, they did so with great force and impact.

As with great classics such as Oliver, there were wonderful moments of humanity to remind us that it is love, commitment and fighting for what is right that binds us all - from the poorest and most marginalised in society to those with power and wealth.  

We saw some stunning performances from students, many who were new to lead roles. In her first lead role, Loretta Pietrosanto (Year 9) was wonderful as the melancholy but always hopeful orphaned Oliver. Her delivery of Where is Love made every parent in the room want to cry.

Loretta was brilliantly supported by veteran Renae Bekas (Year 12) as the feisty but warm-spirited Nancy. In her final production at Kilvington, Renae’s performance of As Long as He Needs Me was breathtaking. Jack Campbell-Manley (Year 11), whose acting craft went to another level, delivered a truly terrifying performance as bad, bad guy, Bill Sykes. 

Lila McMahon-Johnson (Year 9) as the Artful Dodger was a revelation - cheeky, cunning and endearing and, combined with her delivery of Consider Yourself, delivered a performance that was complete in and of its own. 

Avah Quinn (Year 10) not only displayed exceptional vocals as the Widow Corney but also delivered great comedic moments in conjunction with her partner-in-crime, the bumbling and bigoted Mr. Bumble, played beautifully by Sinclair McClimont (Year 8).

A special shoutout to Josh Tighe (Year 11) who was absolutely convincing as a grandfather and statesman. Not easy to pull off as a teenager! And a big congratulations to the Junior and Senior Chorus – the vocals were wonderful.

It is impossible not to be in awe of Elijah Slavinskis (Year 10) who continues to deliver outstanding performances. His delivery of the jittery, soulful and sympathetic villain, Fagin, was unique, captivating and difficult to look away from.

To Director Andrew Johnson, Musical Director Melissa Waked, the crew, support staff, and parents, take a bow! This was truly one for the memory box!

JAZZ HANDS 

In March, the Glen Eira Town Hall auditorium was transformed into an intimate Jazz Club in recognition of the 1920s Jazz Age. The audience was left spellbound by the enormous variety of performances and the superior skills of our talented music and dance students at Kilvington. 

The entertainment showcased our larger ensembles, dance troupe and choral groups as well as 12 soloists from Years 9 to 12. There were many highlights for the evening, although our Music Captain’s rendition of Billy Joel’s Piano Man, complete with the audience singing along, was a fitting end to a wonderful evening of jazz and contemporary music! 

COMMUNITY

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY 

Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated every year on 17 February. It is an opportunity to inspire excitement, passion and energy to continue growing the kindness movement.

On the day, our School leaders sold chocolate hearts as well as gorgeous notes to be given to friends, family or teachers. It was lovely to see messages of kindness being spread throughout the School. All proceeds went to assist with the Turkey/Syria Earthquake disaster.

HARMONY DAY 

On 21 March, we celebrated Harmony Day, an event that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.

The whole School, from ELC to Year 12, participated in a range of activities to celebrate. These included a food drive, Cut for a Cause, a Junior School dance party and Senior School Battle of the Bands. The School was awash with the colour orange on the day - symbolic of Harmony Day. 

We also created our third collaborative Harmony Day artwork with the Early Learning Centre and Junior School, which is on display in the Junior School foyer. 

All monies raised went to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC).