Department News
Visual Arts Department
Film Festival – an exciting event for Term 4!!
This generation of young people are the most visually literate generation in history. In today’s age of mobile devices, internet and video games, our boys are constantly stimulated visually while they are out of school. For these visual learners, film can often convey a message better than printed or spoken words. Many of the boys are keen filmmakers in and out of school. To celebrate this a film festival is planned for the end of term for St Pius X College. Students from Years 7 – 10 are invited to submit original film made this year. If you have any queries please email Ms Doyle or Ms Bryant .
Please see details on the poster below:
Ms F Doyle - Visual Arts Coordinator
Language Department
Sydney Chinese Language Spectacular
Last Wednesday night saw 30 St Pius X College students participate in the Sydney Chinese Language Spectacular at Sydney Town Hall. Now in its third year, the Chinese Spectacular aims to give students studying the language an opportunity to showcase their skills and promotes greater understanding of the Chinese culture.
Mr Couani and myself were thrilled to see how wonderfully our College was represented by the students, who performed a dramatic sketch based on the Chinese cartoon “Echo”. Mrs Wang, who has worked with the students during lunches over the course of Term 3 and assisted by Ms Tu, were delighted at the enthusiastic and dedicated approach that these young men took in learning their roles in Chinese, to give a wonderful performance to the many distinguished guests, parents and community members present on the night.
A highlight of the evening was the fantastic effort of Ronan Apcar, Year 10 Chinese, who was one of two hosts of the evening. Ronan and his partner Prudence introduced each act and delivered the commentary of the evening in fluent Chinese. Ronan was an amazing ambassador for the College and a role model for all 1000 students in attendance on how rewarding and important language learning can be, especially in fostering “harmony and dreams”, which was the theme of the evening and extending the hand of friendship to others.
The following reports are from two students, Ben Marino and Victor Lahoud, who participated in the spectacular. We hope to present more on the spectacular in the upcoming weeks.
Ben Marino (Year 7 Chinese)
On the 19th of October, over 20 St Pius X College Boys from year’s five to eight went into the city to take part in the Sydney Chinese Language Spectacular for 2016. We travelled by train into the city and went to the ornate Town Hall where the performance took place. Over 1000 boys and girls from various schools around Sydney took part in this event; sharing and spreading multiculturalism and the love for Chinese Language and Culture.
Representing St Pius X College, we were performing a Drama play as well as singing in a combined Schools Choir. We sat in the tiered seats above the stage, watching numerous schools sing, dance and act. When it was time for us to rehearse, we gathered on stage and performed our play. We sat around and talked for a while (we were all very excited) and by lunchtime we headed back out into the City for Yum Cha at the Palace Chinese Restaurant.
All of us thoroughly enjoyed our Yum Cha, eating a range of delicious meals like dumplings, noodles and steamed pork buns. After heading back from lunch we were able to squeeze in two more practices as well as a combined school choir rehearsal. By 5:30pm we were all on the edge of our seats awaiting the imminent opening of the Spectacular.
Our group sat through stunning and talented performances all performed in Chinese and by Act 14, it was time for us to go… backstage. Amidst the buzz and increasing tension, we were really excited to perform. Onstage, we performed confidently and with pride in our school. I think that we can all agree that we had a great time at the Chinese Spectacular, it was such a privilege to be performing at the Town Hall and spreading our passion for the Chinese language.
Victor Lahoud (Year 7 Chinese)
Chinese Club in 2016 was amazing and it was a fantastic experience from the train ride leaving school to eating a delicious Yum Cha lunch. All the Chinese Club boys did an amazing job with the play and the choir but this couldn't be done without the hard work of Ms Wang and Ms Tu. Going to the Town Hall for the first time and probably the first time for everyone was amazing. My job was to represent the school saying in Chinese, “Wo men lai zu St. Pius X College Chatswood.” This means my school is St Pius X College, Chatswood. I have to say a special thanks to Ronan Apcar in Year 10 for doing an exceptional job being the MC for the night. I'd also like to thank Mr Couani and Ms Manga the Language Coordinator and all the parents who attended the evening.
Ms K Manga - LOTE Studies Coordinator
Performing Arts Department
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Festival last week. Over five nights the music and dramatic talents of over 250 students were showcased to much acclaim from appreciative audiences. Thank you to College Instrumental Tutors Tom Andrews, James Blunt, Shane Cranney, Stephen Cummins, Jonathan Dollin, Stephanie Gan, Pawel Lewandowski, Geoff Power, Chris Richardson, David Sismey, Ian Talati, Stella Talati and Stella Waddington for preparing the students and to Mrs Fernando, Miss Tu and Miss Whelan for their behind the scenes support and assistance during the week.
COLLEGE ORCHESTRA WORKSHOP
Takes place THIS Sunday 30th October:
Full Orchestra 10.30 – 12.30pm
Strings from 12.30 – 1.00pm
DRAMA PRODUCTION 2017 “BOY OVERBOARD”
The Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce that in 2017 we will be presenting “Boy Overboard” written for the stage by Patricia Cornelius, based on the novel written by Morris Gleitzman.
“Boy Overboard” - A story of adventure, ball control and hope.
Jamal and Bibi have a dream. To lead Australia to soccer glory in the next World Cup. But first they must face landmines, pirates, storms and assassins. Can Jamal and his family survive their incredible journey and get to Australia? Adapted for the stage by Patricia Cornelius from Morris Gleitzman's best-selling novel, “Boy Overboard” depicts a deeply human side of the 'asylum seekers' issue by following the journey of Jamal and Bibi from Afghanistan to Australia. Based on real life events, this is a moving play about young people overcoming the confusion of war, politics and the search for a safe haven.
Students from Years 8 – 10 2017 are welcome to audition, along with girls from Mercy College. Auditions will take place NEXT Monday afternoon from 3.30pm in the Sarto Centre. If students are unable to attend then they must speak with Mrs Fernando in the Performing Arts Staffroom BEFORE Friday this week. No auditions will take place after next Monday. Rehearsals will commence on Monday 7th November from 3.30 – 5.00pm in the Sarto Centre. Drama Ensemble will move to Thursday morning’s for the remainder of the year from 7.30 – 8.30am in the Drama Studio.
Students do not need to prepare anything for the audition. They will be simply asked to read from the play. Those boys who wish to be considered for a lead role will also need to demonstrate their “soccer” skills. Further information may be obtained from Ms Bates, TBates@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au and
Mrs Fernando, SFernando@stpiusx.nssw.edu.au
PAPA AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Performing Arts Parents Association will take place NEXT Monday 31st October, commencing at 7.00pm in the Core Music Room. Parents of students who participate in Music and Drama at the College are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served and parking is available in the Junior School yard.
ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS 2017
New enrolment auditions are taking place on Saturday 12th and 19th November between 9.00am – 2.00pm in the College Band Room. Current students who missed out on auditioning for Concert and Jazz Bands last term are welcome to attend. To do so, please go to https://www.trybooking.com/221560 and follow the prompts. The link will close on Monday 7th November 2016. Entry to the College will be via the Kirk Street Laneway.
INSTRUMENTAL TUITION 2017
Tuition places for 2017 will be limited. To apply for lessons in 2017 please go to https://www.trybooking.com/221603 and follow the prompts. The link will close on Monday 7th November. Applications which are received after this time (via the form available on the College website) cannot be guaranteed placement.
Ms T Bates - Performing Arts Coordinator