Family 

Engagement 

Group

Welcoming Back Emma Stenhouse – 2025 Artist in Residence

We are so excited to welcome proud Ngarrindjeri artist and educator Emma Stenhouse back to St Gabriel’s Primary School as our 2025 Artist in Residence, helping us celebrate NAIDOC Week across the whole school.

Emma works across a range of creative practices including painting, weaving, printmaking and fashion, and in 2024 was honoured as a recipient of KHT's Blak Design Program.

This is Emma’s second time working with our community—she last visited during Reconciliation Week 2023, where she ran storytelling workshops using natural materials and created the beautiful mural that now hangs proudly outside our Music room.

As part of her residency, Emma will run printmaking workshops with all students, exploring First Nations culture, storytelling and design through this creative practice. We are also delighted to offer a printmaking session for parents, carers and friends in our school community on Tuesday 22 July—a wonderful opportunity to learn, create and connect.

If you are interested in joining us for the Community Printmaking session please RSVP using the link 

Poster created by Grace, Grade 6 

Wakakirri 2025 – Our Grade 5/6 Students Take to the Stage!

We are excited to share that our Grade 5/6 students are currently preparing for this year’s Wakakirri Story-Dance performance, an exciting part of our Performing Arts curriculum and a wonderful opportunity for our students to shine.

For those unfamiliar with Wakakirri, it is a national initiative that encourages schools across Australia to tell important stories through the creative mediums of dance and drama. Its name comes from the Aboriginal word for “to dance a story” — and that’s exactly what our students are doing! Through Wakakirri, students build confidence, teamwork and creativity, and engage deeply in a positive, purposeful project.

This is the second time our school has entered Wakakirri — and we’re proud to say that last time, our students won a State Award! In addition, in December last year, we were delighted to be selected to receive a FREE Wakakirri Story-Dance Beginners Program for 2025, valued at $895. This program supports our staff and students to develop an inspiring and high-quality performance.

This year, the Grade 5/6 students will present a Story-Dance titled “Radio Gaga” — a vibrant journey through music and dance history. The story follows a group of students who discover an old radio in the playground. When they turn the dials, musical icons from across the decades come to life — including Elvis Presley, John Travolta, Michael Jackson and J-Lo! Each new song brings fresh energy, dance styles and excitement, before the radio switches off and the students return to class, leaving behind the unforgettable experience.

This performance is part of our whole school production and an important learning experience for all Grade 5/6 students, whether they are in Year 5 or Year 6. The commitment to rehearsals and participation is a valuable part of their Performing Arts education, and we appreciate the support of families in ensuring every child attends.

We wish our Grade 5/6 students all the very best for their performance on Tuesday 22nd July at The Clocktower in Essendon — what a fantastic opportunity to represent our school with pride!

Our 2023 State Award Winning Performance

Save the Date!

Save the Date! Our Whole School Production is Coming

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Whole School Production...

Boogie in a Suitcase – A Songsational Journey Through the Decades

Our Prep to Year 6 students will take the stage this year with a toe-tapping, time-travelling musical adventure through the greatest eras of music.

Join us as four friends Violet (Yr2), James (Yr3), Mary (Yr4) and Owen (Yr5) stumble upon their parents’ old record collection. When they play the first record, something magical happens… a time-travel portal appears, and they’re whisked away into the music and moments of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Along the way, they meet colourful characters, sing iconic songs, and discover how music can inspire joy, connection and peace in the world today.

Performance Date: Friday 5 September, 6.00pm

Venue: Loyola College, Magis Performing Arts Centre (A state-of-the-art theatre where our stars will shine)

Stay tuned for ticket information, costume details and ways you can support our production.

We can’t wait to take this musical journey with you.

Boogie in a Suitcase – coming this Term 3!