Performing Arts
Music Matters
Ensembles and Private Music Tuition information on Clipboard: Clipboard addresses the requirements of Private Tuition lessons, Instrument Hire and Ensemble participation including:
Lesson costings
What to do if your child is absent
Instrument Loan Hire information terms and costings
Cancellation policy
Performing Arts Levy
Private Tuition:
New enrolments for private music tuition are being allocated and your assigned tutor should contact you this week. Exception: piano – we are waiting for our tutors’ availability/ability to take on the number of students who have enrolled. This should be finalised soon.
However, please note that as we have had an unprecedented demand for piano lessons, we will soon be interviewing for another piano teacher. We are also about to start singing lessons with a new teacher in coming weeks.
Here are some reminders from our Coordinator of Private Tuition, Mr Stephen Cummins (scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au ):
• All students need to take their diaries with them to each music lesson. The tutor will sign the “Out Of Class” page.
• Please carefully place your instrument in the instrument storeroom. Students are to keep this area neat and tidy.
• Parents, if your son is absent from school and it happens to be on their music lesson day, please let your tutor know directly prior to the start of school.
Music Ensemble news: Our ensembles are busy preparing for Open Day performances at our Chatswood campus on 22 March. Information regarding performance times will be published closer to the date.
Want to join an ensemble? Should your son be interested in joining a particular ensemble, he is welcome to come and try it out during the advertised rehearsal time. The Ensemble Director will then be able to determine if that ensemble is the best fit for him. Ensemble enrolment is via Clipboard, where you can select the ensemble of interest, and the Ensemble Director will place your son in the relevant ensemble.
Students who are new to their instrument may need a few lessons before being able to join an ensemble. Their private tutor and the Ensemble Director will be able to guide them with this.
For more information regarding ensembles, please contact Mr Andrew Saar, Coordinator of Music Ensembles: asaar@stpiusxnsw.edu.au.
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
OnSTAGE @The Seymour Centre
Last week, senior students attended an inspiring showcase at the Seymour Centre, where they experienced a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Drama students from across New South Wales. The event featured a diverse range of performances, amongst the highlights was a captivating Absurdist scriptwriting performance that challenged traditional narrative forms, alongside a thought-provoking video drama that explored contemporary themes.
In addition to the live performances, students had the opportunity to appreciate the artistic flair displayed in an exhibition of posters, programs, and costume designs, all of which reflected the hard work and innovation of the young artists. This immersive experience not only celebrated the talents of their peers but also inspired our students as they prepare for their own creative endeavours in drama.
Oliver Twist Rehearsals
Please contact Ms Lindley if you will be absent for any rehearsals. We've had a few non-attendees this week, which affects all students who are rehearsing at that time. As we begin rehearsing Act 2 scenes, actors should continue to learn their lines and spend extra time reading through the entire scene they are in. Additionally, I want to remind everyone that there are no phones allowed in the rehearsal room.
Make sure to check the schedule for later rehearsals marked as ALL CAST to ensure your attendance. During these sessions, we will be running the entire play and there will be no scripts allowed - this is happening in just 4 weeks!
Upcoming rehearsals
Upcoming events:
Oliver Twist Rehearsals: Ongoing – please check the schedule.
Thursday 20 February: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm is the start of the Intermediate Drama Ensemble this week! Please make sure to register your son on Clipboard. We will meet outside the Sarto Centre, where I'll be welcoming some new members to the group. I’m looking forward to bringing in a guest to work with us later in the term, so stay tuned for updates!
Wednesday 19 March: Periods 2-6 Picnic at Hanging Rock at the Sydney Theatre Company at The Drama Theatre, Opera House for Years 9-12 Elective Drama.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama
From the Performing Arts Parents Association (PAPA)
The Performing Arts Parents Association held our Annual General Meeting last week and are delighted that all our committee members from last year have stayed on plus we have added a few new names and faces to our committee.
2025 PAPA COMMITTEE
President: Sylvia Ulevik
Vice President: Tiffany Thomas-McCarthy
Secretary: Elena Mirenzi
Assistant secretary: vacant
Treasurer: Barnaby Rands
Assistant treasurer: John Moran
Communication & Social Media Coordinator: Sandra Quan
Social Engagement Coordinator: Jana Gibson
Catering Coordinator: vacant
Holiday Programs Coordinator: vacant
Fundraising Coordinator: vacant
General committee members:
Simon Kennedy, Nicole Aman, Adrian Byak, Vanessa Bau, Joanna Hurley, Emma Nunes, Antonia Autore
We are looking forward to a fun year which will start off with our first ever Parents’ social event, later this term… WATCH THIS SPACE for details, coming in Woodchatta very soon!!!
There are still a small number of vacant committee positions (because we expanded our roles this year), so if you have any questions and/or would like to join us, please send an email to papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President