A Magical Journey to Narnia: Donvale’s 2025 Production Dazzles Audiences

Nic Frame, Head of Performing Arts

Well, this isn’t a story…is it?

The 2025 secondary school production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe roared to life in late May, captivating audiences across four spellbinding performances. For the first time, the school’s Multipurpose Space was transformed into a theatrical venue, providing an immersive backdrop for this beloved tale.

A talented cast of 64 students delivered a vivid and imaginative interpretation of C.S. Lewis’s classic, bringing key scenes to life with creativity and emotional depth. The production opened with a poignant depiction of wartime evacuees, underscored by Zoe Young’s haunting and powerful rendition of Henry Purcell’s The Cold Song. Among the many inventive moments was a particularly striking staging of the iconic wardrobe, complete with cascading fur coats that set the tone for the magical journey ahead.

Sam Waterworth, Zara Baldwin, Bailey Waterworth, and Ellie Hamilton portrayed the Pevensie siblings with nuance and conviction, capturing the complexity of their adventure. They were ably supported by Kate Stickland as the chilling White Witch, Oli Lindner as the endearing Mr Tumnus, Lachie Blakemore and Grace Sayers as the Beavers, and Seri Sully as the mischievous Grumpskin.

Perhaps most unforgettable was the portrayal of Aslan, brought to life through a large-scale puppet operated with remarkable skill by Charlotte Brown, Hamish McLennan, and Luke Neil. Their performance imbued the majestic lion with both gravitas and grace, leaving a lasting impression on audiences of all ages.

With over 120 costumes, a rich musical score, and full houses throughout the run, this production was a true celebration of student talent and creativity. It was a fitting tribute to Donvale’s jubilee year—an event that will be fondly remembered by all who attended.

Sporting Spotlight

Chris Turner, EISM Sport Coordinator

On Monday 12 May, Charisse Chan and Thomas Greenwood represented both DCC and the EISM at the Victorian Schools Association Competition for swimming. Being selected in the VSAC squad to represent the EISM at this event is an incredible opportunity and we are so proud of both these students for their efforts on the night.

Thomas Greenwood

2nd – Boys 4x 50m Freestyle Relay

3rd – 16+ 4x 50m Breaststroke Relay

3rd – 16+ Boys 4x 50m Freestyle Relay

Charisse Chan

6th – Girls 4x 50m Breaststroke Relay

4th – 14-15 Girls 4x 50m Medley Relay

We love to celebrate our students’ sporting achievements in EISM competition and outside of school. If you have any stories or if you are competing, please contact Chris Turner or Emily Townend, we would love to celebrate you!

Outdoor Ed: Mountain Biking Camp

Ava Wills, Year 9 Student

Last week, a group of students went on an exciting two-day camp to Blores Hill Mountain Bike Park, where we camped overnight and explored trails on our bikes.

We set up our tents, cooked meals together using Trangias, and spent hours riding through challenging, yet beautiful tracks surrounded by God’s amazing creation. The experience was difficult, but really rewarding, as we had the chance to build confidence on our bikes, push ourselves physically, and work together as a team.

As a group, we learnt how to support each other, stay positive through the tough moments, and take responsibility for ourselves and our gear. Most of all, being in nature gave us the chance to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and appreciate the outdoors in a new way.

Da Vinci Decathlon

Michael Llewellyn, Secondary Teacher

Since the middle of Term 1, a group of Year 7 and 8 students have been participating in training sessions for the Da Vinci Decathlon – an interschool academic competition covering 10 different subject areas. On Thursday 29 May, two teams of eight students travelled to Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School to participate in the Victorian State competition along with 29 other schools, including some of Melbourne’s elite private schools.

Our DCC teams performed outstandingly well, with the Year 7 team achieving second place in the Engineering section and fourth place in science. The Year 8 team placed second in Mathematics and Cartography, and third in Code Breaking.

Overall, the Year 7 team came eighth out of 29 teams, while our Year 8 team placed seventh out of 30 teams. This is a magnificent effort, and we are extremely proud of our students.

Congratulations to Caleb Burt, Mika Hodge, Enoch Kalangie, Caleb Lewis, Roy Wang, Amelie Gill, Lorena Zhang and Parthenia Morkos in the Year 7 team, and Lucas Chan, Zachary Chen, Josiah Durrmeier, Abrielle Ku, Eden Ma, Amy Ng, Alessandra Rozul and Janek Sandanayake in the Year 8 team.

A big thanks also to teachers Caleb Schulz and Leanne Benson who travelled with the students on the day.

Year 7 Zoo Excursion

Leanne Benson, Year 7 Coordinator

On Friday 23 May, the Year 7 students enjoyed a fantastic day at the Melbourne Zoo. Thankfully the rain held off, and the animals came out to say hello!

Students had a wonderful time exploring the various exhibits, consolidating their learning about Classification and Ecosystems. The zookeepers’ talks were both engaging and informative, enhancing students’ understanding of how different animals have adapted to survive in their unique environments.

It was a valuable opportunity for students to see many of the species we have discussed in class, and to observe their behaviours and habitats firsthand. We are continually reminded of the incredible diversity and complexity of God’s creation.

The meerkats and giraffes were the crowd favourites as always, while the lions provided a memorable highlight with their powerful roars echoing throughout the Zoo.

Year 11 Formal

Bindy Albury, Head of Burrows House

Last Friday, our Year 11 students had a celebratory night of fun, food and dancing at their formal. Held at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood, the evening was a chance to have a great time with friends, teachers and the year level community. Students dressed up in their most formal attire and red seemed to be the colour of the night: red dresses, red ties, red vests and red nails. The dance floor was a hit, including the big dance circle in which students (and a couple of brave staff members) showed off their solo manoeuvres!

A group of students and teachers planned a range of elements, including a navy, gold, white and silver colour scheme to give the event flair and sophistication. Students looked back on favourite events from their years together at DCC with a competitive Kahoot, awards were given and a photo booth provided instant polaroids to capture the evenings’ memories.

Many thanks to the staff, parents and students who contributed their time to plan, decorate and supervise a wonderful evening. What a great energy boost in the lead up to a busy end of term, with Year 11 Exams, Year 11 Community Day and Creative Arts Week still to come!

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