EDUtech 2025

WHSC Productions Recognised at EDUtech 2025

Last week, I had the incredible honour of representing Wheelers Hill Secondary College at EDUtech 2025 in Sydney. I was invited to speak about our school production program after it was recognised as a standout example of how the arts can positively transform a school community.

I shared our journey with principals, business managers, performing arts teachers, and education leaders from across the country. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with schools nationwide now reaching out to access our resources and replicate similar programs in their communities.

The numbers tell an extraordinary story: 100% of participating families who responded reported their children enjoyed the production experience and developed valuable life skills. 93% of students felt more connected to our school community. 91% described feeling part of a supportive "family." When I shared these results, educators across the country wanted to know our secret.

But behind these statistics lies a deeper truth, captured beautifully by Zienna McCulloch (Class of 2023): "From playing a munchkin, a fan girl and a respected teacher, these opportunities encouraged me to come out of my shell and use my voice in more ways than one. As a student at Deakin University, now studying a Bachelor of Psychology and completing a Diploma of Health Sciences, tasks that seem so small such as doing a presentation or asking a question to the class, becomes nothing compared to dancing and singing on a stage."

Building on a strong foundation established by previous leaders, the secret to our success is our entire community. Students, families, and dedicated staff who believe that everyone belongs, everyone grows, everyone shines. In fact, this philosophy is now formally embedded through a Production Policy approved by our school council, ensuring its continuity and alignment with our inclusive vision.

Our Philosophy in Action

At WHSC, productions aren't just something we do—they're central to who we are as a learning community. When I became Leading Teacher of Performing Arts in 2020, we deliberately shifted our focus to building genuine community in our own intimate theatre space, providing far more opportunities for students to learn lighting, sound, set-building, and musicianship alongside staff and industry professionals.

This inclusive approach specifically supports our most vulnerable students - the highly anxious, neurodivergent, and those who struggle with school engagement, transforming lives through arts education.

Celebrating Our Team

This year's outstanding performance of High School Musical was masterfully led by Nick Gramatakos, who returns in 2026. We extend heartfelt thanks to the entire team of staff who made our inclusive vision possible in some capacity: Abbey Novak, Annie Stone, Kirsty Mechielsen, Lo Vanguardia, Jacinta Wilson, Jess Elms, Judith Walsh, Paula Moorman, Corlien Heijnen, Andrew Steele, Rene Raulin, Gary Campbell, Tim Rex, and Khairi Razaai. Working under Nick’s inspirational and grounded leadership, and again with our incredible team this year has been another career highlight for me.

I also joined a national panel on supporting neurodivergent staff, sharing insights from my experience as an educator with ADHD. It was an incredibly valuable session, with ideas exchanged on how schools can better support inclusion - not just for students, but for the educators who teach them.

We’re proud that our school’s production program is now seen as a national example of what’s possible when schools centre joy, belonging, and student agency.

To our WHSC production community: thank you. You are proof that when we believe in every student, amazing things happen. Stay tuned for more exciting initiatives as we continue to grow and innovate together.

David Gill

Leading Teacher – Community Connectedness, Student Voice, Agency & Leadership