Department News

• Visual Arts
• Science
• Senior Resource Centre
• Performing Arts

Visual Arts

Congratulations to Jack Moran and Chris Lanzon from Year 12 who are finalists in this year’s Head-On Photography competition.  Winners are still to be announced.

Jack has a show at The Contact Sheet Gallery in St Leonards and is a finalist in The Moran Photography Prize (Student section) for his shot taken at the MCA - Genext Pipiloti Rist.  (Photo)

His next mission is the prestigious 400txproject where he is invited to take part in a collaborative work where 25 photographers each shoot a roll using the Nikon F2 camera Tim Paige used to document the Vietnam War. Updates on his progress as they happen.

HSC 2017 students Patrick Howe, Oliver Fischer, Alex Herrera and Alex McClarty are exhibiting at the Concourse Art Space over the next two weeks. All are welcome to this wonderful initiative by Willoughby Council.

Image:  Patrick Howe, Type 1, 2017, acrylic, pencil and paper on canvas

Mr M Anderson - Visual Arts Coordinator

Science

USYD Gifted and Talented Science Program

In November last year 38 Science students from Years 8 and 9 sat for The University of Sydney Gifted and Talented Science Qualifying Examination.  The examination was very challenging, requiring students to draw on their knowledge of Science as well as to think creatively.

I am pleased to announce that the following students have each been offered a place in The Science Gifted and Talented Science Discovery Program to be conducted during the July school holidays at The University of Sydney. 

From Year 10: Jonathan Dellagiacoma, Oliver Lenehan, John McDonald, Ethan Field, Daniel Halverson, Ryan Pratt, Cameron Fernandopule, Matthew Bradley, Duncan Dingley and Keegan Aikin

From Year 9: Nathan Byrne

Congratulations and well done to all participants.

​Ms J Black - Science Coordinator

Senior Resource Centre

Holiday Reading

Library classes have been focussing on books to read during the holidays.   Highly recommended and “Top Charting” books this Term include:

• The Martian
• Cherub series
• Justice League graphic novel series
• Ready Player (One students says, “See the movie, then read the book.” )

Our very popular Audio and eBook collection https://stpiusx.wheelers.co/ is perfect for holiday reading and is accessible 24/7. Many students report that they prefer:

• the screen reader
• the loan system:  “you don’t have to worry about returning your book”

There are over 2000 titles to choose from and nearly half are audiobooks.  I am listening to 'Great Expectations' and I’ve also started to read Cally Black’s ‘In Dark Places’ which is on this year’s Children’s Council short list for the Book of the Year for Older Readers.

There are plenty of choices, so read plenty this school holidays!

Ms K Keighery - Senior Teacher/Librarian

Performing Arts

JAZZ BANDS WORKSHOP

Well done to the boys in the Intermediate and Senior Jazz Bands for their hard work on Sunday during the workshops. The feedback from Mr Power and the other tutors was very positive, with all commenting on the level of enthusiasm, yet discipline when it comes to rehearsing and performing. Particular thanks to the Year 12 students who attended, most of whom used it as an opportunity to have a short break from study, before hitting the books again in the afternoon! We wish Mr Power and the boys well for the upcoming eisteddfod next term.

YEARS 9 AND 10 MUSIC PERFORMANCE NIGHT

Congratulations to the boys in the Years 9 and 10 Music classes on their pleasing solo performances on Monday night. For some of the Year 9 students this was the first time they have played on their own in front of an audience! Performing as a soloist requires a very different skill set than those needed in ensembles and all boys showed that they are capable of being able to do both equally as well.

SENIORS WEEK PERFORMANCE

Congratulations and thank you to the Senior String Quartet; Matthew Crotty (Year 11), Luke McManus and Young Oh (Year 10) and Tom Van Dijk (Year 9) for performing at the annual Seniors Week lunchtime concert yesterday at The Concourse. The audience was extremely appreciative and complimentary of how the boys played and presented themselves.

PERFORMING ARTS CURRICULUM WRAP TERM 1

It has been a busy and exciting term in the Performing Arts Department as new initiatives have been explored in Music and Drama classes. Drama students in Years 7, 9 and 10 have extended their acting skills and understanding of physical theatre through participation in workshops; Years 7 and 8 Music students have started guitar lessons and Year 6 Music students have explored music technology through small group lessons in the Digital Music Studio. Sincere thanks to the PAPA who have assisted with funding for these activities and our wonderful classroom teachers Ms Penny Lindley, Ms Natalie Rawle and Ms Pip Waters and our Digital Music Ensemble Director, Mr Stephen Cummins.

TWILIGHT CONCERT: DIARY DATE

The first Twilight Concert for the year is at the end of Week 2 next term, Friday 11th May commencing at 5.00pm in the Junior School yard. The following ensembles will be performing: Senior, Intermediate and Junior Concert and Jazz Bands; Senior, Intermediate and Junior Guitar and Percussion Ensembles; Primary Concert Band; Senior Choir; Senior, Intermediate and Junior String Ensembles, College Orchestra. We will also have some guest string performers from Mercy College! The PAPA will be running their usual barbeque and for something different there will also be a tea/coffee and cake stall, along with a Mother’s Day raffle. The proceeds from both of these will be donated to the Edmund Rice Centre as a demonstration of our inclusive community spirit and compassion for others in need.

MEET THE MUSIC CONCERT

Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 Music students will attend the second concert in this series on Thursday 10th May (Week 2 Term 2) at the Opera House. Students will be given their tickets in class and need to ensure they are in their seats no later than 6.15pm. The concert concludes at approximately 8.30pm.

UBUNTU CONCERT

Tickets for this exciting concert on Monday May 21st where our Senior and Junior Choirs will perform with an African Children’s Choir can be purchased  by clicking on the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/UZOO Notes for Choir students regarding meals is due back no later than TOMORROW!

TERM 2 PERFORMANCE AND EXCURSION CALENDAR

Ms T Bates - Performing Arts Coordinator