Dare to be Excellent 

27 Lyrebird Award Nominations – What an Achievement!

We have always known that the standard of Performing Arts at St Helena is extraordinary, but it is wonderful when that excellence is recognised beyond our school gates.

I am absolutely delighted to share that our 2026 productions have received a whopping 22 nominations at the Lyrebird Youth Theatre Awards!

This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the talent, creativity, dedication and sheer hard work of our students, staff and parent volunteers.

A particularly heartfelt congratulations goes to our Performing Arts team, so ably led by Leading Teacher Laura Zinghini, whose passion and commitment continue to create remarkable opportunities for our young people.

Of course, we don't undertake productions to win awards. We do it because of the joy, learning, friendships, confidence and unforgettable experiences they provide for our students. But it is certainly lovely to have the quality of that work recognised!

To everyone involved, congratulations on truly Daring to be Excellent. We couldn't be prouder!

Nominations:

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Outstanding Student Design (Youth Play): Bella Azzopardi, Chelsea Ford, Kate Moody (costumes)

Outstanding Student Design (Youth Play):  Grace Brockett & Emily Russell (makeup)

Best Ensemble (Youth Play):  cast

Best Comedia Performer (Youth Play): Isaac Thompson

Outstanding Acting Partnership (Youth Play):  Emily Russell, Chelsea Ford, Joe Cook, Mayella Webb

Highly Commended Performer (Youth Play):  Thomas Murphy

Best Performer in a Lead Female Role (Youth Play):  Bella Azzopardi

Best Performer in a Lead Male Role (Youth Play): Angus O'Loughlin

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

Best LIghting (Youth Musical):  Tomas Gerasimidis

Best Costumes (Youth Musical):  Matilda Walpole

Outstanding Dance Number (Youth Musical):  Broadway Ballet

Best Ensemble (Youth Musical):  Cast

Best Cameo Performer (Youth Musical): Riley Stephens

Best Cameo Performer (Youth Musical): Harry Cook 

Best Performer in a Supporting Female Role (Youth Musical):  Bella Azzopardi

Best Performer in a Supporting Male Role (Youth Musical):  Declan Draper

Best Performer in a Lead Female Role (Youth Musical):  Emily Russell

Best Performer in a Lead Male Role (Youth Musical):  Joe Cook

Best Choreographer (Youth Musical):  Stephanie Gardiner

Best Musical Director (Youth Musical):  Patrick Broadbent

Best Director (Youth Musical):  Laura Zinghini

Best Production (Youth Musical):  Singin' in the Rain 

State Schools Victoria State Athletics 

We had some great results from or Athletics competitors!

Toby Hamilton - 1st Javelin (PB of 49.64m) and 1st in High Jump

Chelsea King (Y8) - 4th in 100m

Ryan Deres - 4th in Shot Put. 

Congratulations to all competitors!