Performing Arts and Languages News

Music

Stand up and strong

This week is Arts Education Week! It is a time to celebrate how the arts are embedded in all areas and ways of learning at St Mary’s College. Through the arts, our students develop critical thinking, creativity and compassionate leadership, among a variety of skills. We are privileged to witness this growth from our Junior School right through to our most senior students. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Jill Norton for her time in Music with us over the past few weeks, and we welcome back Mr Scott Weston as he returns from leave next week. We also warmly welcome Mr Nick Marshall, UTAS placement teacher, who joins the Music department for the next three weeks as he begins his vocation in arts education. 

More Than Words

Last week, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra brought the magic of live music to St Mary’s College as they took up residency in the Nagle Centre for the day, performing for students in Years 2 to 6. The engaging performance explored how words and storytelling can powerfully enhance musical expression. Students interacted with the talented musicians and were led by dynamic compere and music educator, Mr Jack Machin.  

Live at St Peter's

Year 11 and 12 Music students will present an evening of performances next Friday 30 May, in St Peter’s Hall. Come along and support these students as they prepare for their exams and share in their hard work and collaboration. 

Drama 

Congratulations to the Year 12 Theatre Performance students on their outstanding production of Contest by Emilie Collyer. The performance was a testament to the many hours of dedicated preparation and rehearsal invested by the students. 

Special thanks and congratulations to Ms Sally Lewry for her tireless work in producing, designing and directing the show. We also acknowledge Year 9 student Charlotte Edwards, who worked alongside Ms Lewry on audio-visual elements, and who shares her reflections on what it was like to work behind the scenes as part of this senior production.

Being a part of 'Contest' was a wonderful experience, and it was great working and helping the Year 12s. My job was to play the different tracks and fade the music in and out, getting the timing right to add another layer of drama to the performance. It was a lovely opportunity to get to know the cast – they were very welcoming and supportive during the early rehearsals. 

A typical rehearsal began with a cast warm-up while I practised my cues. We'd then do a run-through with a couple of stops, followed by a full run after lunch. The most challenging part was making sure I didn't miss my cues and that my timing was right. 

It was great getting to see the complete production come together, especially as someone interested in theatre performance and a drama student myself. 

If you are interested in getting involved behind the scenes in theatre, my advice is: don't be afraid to say yes, step out of your comfort zone and make yourself available to help.  

– Charlotte Edwards, Year 9 

Drama 3 Students will present their newly devised work, The Stadium, on Tuesday 10 June and Wednesday 11 June, 7.00pm at St Peter’s Hall. Booking information will be on Connect and advertised in the next newsletter. 

Italian 

Exchange students 

This year, we are delighted to welcome five students from northern Italy as part of our exchange program at St Mary’s College. This week, we greet the first of these students, Giulia Nuvoloni, pictured. Giulia is a Year 11 Sociology student who will return to Italy in July to begin her final year of school. 

The remaining four exchange students will arrive in two weeks' time and will study with us for the remainder of the school term. Their St Mary’s College host families will participate in the return leg of the exchange, travelling to Italy for six weeks in November. Please make these students feel welcome as you see them around our school community. 

In addition, this week we are finalising student confirmations for the 2026 Study Tour to Italy. We are now accepting the first deposit and registration forms. This is a school-facilitated excursion to Italy, separate from the exchange program, and we are very excited to offer this opportunity to our students. For further information or enquiries, please contact Mr Michael Power.