Performing Arts
Music Matters
Christmas Twilight Concert: Rain, hail, or shine - the show must go on… and it certainly did!
Congratulations to all our talented performers, ensemble directors, and dedicated music staff for delivering a spectacular Christmas Twilight Concert last Friday evening. The night was filled with joy and festive spirit, featuring a delightful selection of Christmas-themed repertoire that highlighted a diverse range of musical styles and genres - a truly enjoyable celebration for the whole family.
A heartfelt thank you to our Performing Arts Captains - Aiden Lindsay, Angus Gibson, and Conor Staude - for their outstanding debut as MCs. Their professionalism, humour and energy kept the evening running seamlessly from start to finish.
Our gratitude also extends to our wonderful PAPA parents and volunteers, whose enthusiasm and hard work kept everyone well-fed throughout the night. Special thanks to Felicity Barrett for her exceptional work on programs, posters, banners, and photography, capturing the magic of the night so beautifully.
And finally, an enormous thank you to our incredible Maintenance team - Stuart, Ben, and Petar - for transforming the College gym into a festive, Christmas-themed performance space… and then restoring it again afterwards. Your effort and creativity made the evening truly special.
Junior Jazz at Forestville RSL:
Congratulations to our Junior Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Mr Geoff Power, for their fantastic performance last night at Forestville RSL. This was such a great opportunity for our students to perform outside the College and to witness and be inspired by the efforts of similar ensembles.
The Performing Arts Tour fundraising initiatives:
Well done to our touring students on baking and selling delicious treats at the Christmas Twilight Concert. Tickets are still on sale for the raffle.
Raffle:
The Performing Arts Cultural Tour is coming to St Pius X College in 2026. Help make it unforgettable for our students by grabbing raffle tickets and boosting their journey. This thrilling tour gives participants a chance to dive into the world of Theatre and Music across the UK and Europe like never before!
Prize: The winner will receive 50% of the total ticket sales, up to the value of $500. Tickets are priced at $10 each
Draw Date: 3 December 2025
Tickets will be on sale at the concert or you can use the following link or QR code:
Please note: Only adults are able to purchase tickets.
Clipboard enrolments for Private Tuition and Ensembles
‘Performing Arts 2026’ are now open on Clipboard.
Ensembles enrolment
All students wishing to be part of an ensemble, whether new or continuing, will need to enrol or re-enrol before Week 1 next year. Ensemble rehearsals for Music and Drama will be starting in Term 1, Week 2. For further enquiries please contact Ensembles Coordinator, Mr Andrew Saar: asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Private Tuition reminders
Students currently enrolled in private instrumental or vocal lessons at the College do not need to reapply for 2026 as enrolments will automatically roll over.
If your son will not be continuing lessons next year, please ensure that 3 weeks’ written notice is provided to his tutor before the end of term, in accordance with College policy and to assist with planning for 2026.
Applications for new private lessons in 2026 will open on Clipboard in the coming weeks.
For any private tuition enquiries, please contact your son’s tutor directly or Mr Stephen Cummins, Coordinator of Private Tuition, at scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Students who have hired instruments are reminded to return them to their tutor or the Music Office after their final lesson or ensemble rehearsal for the term.
For all other enquiries, please contact Ms Merryn Dodd, Performing Arts Administration Assistant, at sperformingarts@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
PAPA (Performing Arts Parents’ Association)
As we come to the end of the year, it's timely to look back and celebrate our achievements. And what a year it's been!
In 2025 PAPA funds paid for:
BBQs across 3 concerts, cooking more than 1,000 sausages, rolls and 30kg of onion.
100% cost for the James Morrison student masterclasses and concert performance fees, plus stage lighting equipment hire (May).
Catering cost for the PAPA annual fundraising Comedy Night (September).
100% cost for a new bass amplifier (May).
100% cost of the inaugural PA parent/carer social event (April).
Production support for Oliver Twist (April/May).
100% cost for a brand-new drum kit (May).
PA stall at Open Day (March).
Year 12 Graduation gifts (September).
Student tickets to professional productions.
Support for other school music and drama performances.
Select financial assistance for tutoring costs.
Thank you to our supporters
The support PAPA provides to Performing Arts students would not be possible without the support from:
SPX Performing Arts Department and other SPX staff, especially Annabel Westhoff, Andrew Saar, Brendan Jones, Stephen Cummins, Merryn Dodd, Felicity Barrett and Matt Stearn.
SPX P&F, who provide us with an annual grant.
Performing Arts parents and carers who volunteer their time throughout the year and/or sit on our PAPA Committee.
Date for your diary
PAPA AGM Monday 9 February 2026 at 7:00 pm in the Band Room, following the Performing Arts Parents Information evening at 6:00 pm. All are welcome (and no obligation or pressure to sign up).
Term 4 Performing Arts important dates for your diary
Monday 1 December - Periods 1, 5 & 6 – rehearsal for Road to Bethlehem - Junior and Senior Chorale and selected musicians – College grounds
Tuesday 2 December – Road to Bethlehem – Junior and Senior Chorales and selected musicians
Wednesday 3 December – End of Year Awards assembly – Intermediate Jazz Band (*changed from Senior Jazz Band) - Oxford Falls
And for next year’s planning:
Term 1, 2025:
Week 3, Monday 9 February, 6:00 pm Performing Arts Information evening, followed by the PAPA AGM at 7:00 pm in the Band Room. All welcome.
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Elective Drama Showcase – A Celebration of Student Creativity
Last Thursday, following a highly successful Swimming Carnival, students from the Drama Elective classes came together to showcase the work they completed in 2025. It was a joy to see this cohort unite and share their talents with the school community. We are proud of the wealth of talent at our school, and the students should be very pleased with their performances and their progress in Drama studies. Thank you to PAPA for providing snacks for the students and to the parents for their continued support of the Performing Arts at the college.
Year 7: Making an Ad! Assessments
I have been very impressed with the Year 7 Advert assessment. The wealth of talent and creativity from the 100 students studying Drama this year is outstanding. Well done to everyone who has performed, it has been a really great effort!
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama