Acting Principal Report

In this edition we are excited to launch a new newsletter platform.  After reviewing several options, we have chosen a format that offers families the capacity to move from page to page according to interest and relevance.  In addition, there will be improved interactivity in terms of access to links and videos.  This platform can also be used for student handbooks, allowing families easier access to information.  We hope that you enjoy navigating our very first edition.

This week we celebrated student achievement at our Awards Assembly, primarily a reflection of the work undertaken in Semester 1.  Congratulations to the students who were awarded certificates for Endeavour, Academic Excellence and Leadership/Service. These awards are the culmination of student effort and aspiration in the classroom and are based on teacher recommendations. The Leadership and Service Awards recognise students for their contribution to a variety of College Leadership roles and responsibilities.

We have taken a new approach to Course Counselling this year for our Year 10 students. It was lovely to have parents/carers attend these sessions and hear first-hand some of the options and opportunities that we discuss with students.  We have had some encouraging feedback from families and look forward to refining the process next year, offering as much support and advice as possible. 

This week is an exciting one for our Performing Arts students who are now half-way through the Production performances of Urinetown.  We are immensely proud of the cast and crew, not just for their talent but their tireless commitment to so many rehearsals. Opening night saw a large contingency of staff turn up to cheer on our Performing Art students. We were amazed at the leads, their capacity to remember so many lines and sing so expertly. What a wonderful chorus line, superb dancers and let's not forget the musically talented students playing alongside professional musicians in the orchestra.

In keeping with Norwood’s rich tradition of producing high quality stage shows, Urinetown, the Musical, has thrived under the talented and creative Direction of Lucy Filor.  Set in a dystopian world where water is in scarce supply, Urinetown the Musical satirises greed, wealth, populism, exploitation, love, revolution and musical theatre itself.  Spending the proverbial penny is the backdrop to this hilarious musical comedy.

This musical is not without accolades having won Tony Awards that include Best Book and Best Original Score.  Our very own Joanne Dema, as the Musical Director, ably supported by our finest music students and instrumental teaching staff, have ensured that this dynamic and complex music score is showcased to perfection.  Caitlin Noone brings expertise to student vocals in her role as Choral Director.  She has ensured that the multi-part harmonies are seamless and has worked tirelessly to showcase the vocal talents of the chorus of the Urinetown ensemble.

If you have been part of the audience and seen the big song and dance numbers you will know that Marcelle Greto has once again worked her choreography magic.  Without the dedication of Frances Dyson, her tenacity and eye for detail, we wouldn’t have such wonderful costumes.  Rod Mitchell, Jonathan Flack and the Vocational Major students are responsible for the design and construction of the sets.  On behalf of the entire College community, thank you to all of the students and staff involved in the production of Urinetown, the Musical.