Around the Grounds
Music, Sport and Debating
Music Notes
Recently, I was thinking about the importance of a musician's hands, while it’s something we all take for granted, the role they play goes well beyond the obvious. While audiences often notice the big moments in a performance, it is frequently the smallest movements of a musician's hands that have the greatest impact on the music. Tiny adjustments in finger pressure, hand position, speed, and touch can completely change how a note sounds and how an audience experiences it.
A pianist, for example, can play the same note in different ways simply by altering the weight of their fingers and hands. A delicate touch may create a soft, lyrical sound, while a firmer gesture can produce strength and intensity. Similarly, a violinist's subtle changes in bow pressure or angle can transform a phrase from warm and expressive to bright and dramatic.
For guitarists and other string players, even slight variations in finger placement can affect tone quality, pitch, and resonance. A small vibrato movement of the hand can bring life and emotion to a sustained note, making it feel more expressive and human. Percussionists also rely on precise hand movements, where tiny differences in stick height or grip can shape dynamics, articulation, and colour.
These small gestures are often invisible to the listener, yet they contribute significantly to musical expression. They help create phrasing, highlight important musical ideas, and communicate emotion beyond the written notes. In many ways, artistry lives in these details. Technical mastery allows a musician to play the correct notes, but it is the careful control of subtle gestures that transforms a performance into something memorable.
As musicians develop their skills, they learn that excellence is not only about large movements or virtuosic technique. It is about understanding how the smallest actions of the hands can influence sound, shape musical meaning, and create deeper connections with an audience. In music, little gestures often make the biggest difference.
Upcoming Music dates
- Music Camp Friday 31 July – Saturday 1 August – Oasis Camp Site
- Term 3 Recital Thursday 20 August – more information will be coming out shortly regarding this
- Senior Concert Band VSMF performance 25 August – Hawthorn Arts Centre
- Music Gala Tuesday 8 September – information regarding ticketing will be coming out shortly.
Mr Francis Blakiston
Head of Music
Sport News
Congratulations to students Chloe H (Under 12s), Indi P (Under 14s) and Emma H (Under 16s) for representing Central Flames over the holidays in the Hockey Junior State Championships at the State Hockey Centre in Parkville. All three girls had a fantastic experience developing their hockey skills, competing at a high level and representing their region. Indi's team qualified for the bronze medal match, where they had a narrow loss and finished 4th overall.
Looking to try Hockey?
The girls all play for TEM Hockey Club and they welcome new players who would like to come and try the sport!
Indi P was also selected in the Victorian Water Polo Under 13s State Team, flying to Hobart in the holidays to compete against the other states. The girls played three to four games a day over the four days and enjoyed what was as a terrific learning experience. Congratulations Indi!
Congratulations to Year 10 student Rebecca W who competed at the 2026 Karate Australia National Championships, also held in Hobart in mid-July, where she claimed her seventh Australian National Championship Title. Incredible achievement!
Another Year 10 student Natalie L competed in the National Gymnastics Championships in Sydney last week. Her performances led her to being selected for the Australian Team, and will compete at the World Championships in Italy in September. Well done, Natalie!
Mr Scott Dacy
Acting Head of Sport & VCE Physical Education Teacher
Debating and Public Speaking
Our Debating and Public Speaking students have continued to impress with their personal and collaborative commitment to the program.
Year 9-12 Debating
The Year 9-12 Senior DAV debaters have hit the ground running in Semester 2! Round Four debates took place on the eve of their first day of Term 3 with St Catherines’s achieving an excellent eight wins from 12 debates, and 11 Best Speaker awards.
The consistently strong results throughout the season demonstrate strong preparation, teamwork and persuasive speaking skills but equally important are the social benefits of working with a team and the joy, humour and laughter they share as they prepare debates and celebrate successes.
The ability to communicate under pressure is certainly tested in all debates, but the Year 10–12 Debaters have risen admirably to the additional challenge of debating Secret Topics, with two Year 10 teams and one Year 11 team still on top of the ladder as undefeated. These debates required students to demonstrate exceptional adaptability and composure, so this is an incredible achievement.
Another highlight of the season to date has been the willingness of several students to step in for absent teammates, demonstrating outstanding commitment and school spirit. Their readiness to support others ensured teams could continue competing and reflects the strong culture of collaboration within the program.
We also look forward to the commencement of British Parliamentary Debating: a debating format that places a strong emphasis on analytical thinking under pressure, making it a rewarding challenge for our more experienced debaters.
Junior Debating
Our Year 7 and 8 students will have the opportunity to take part in the 2026 Junior Secondary Debating Program, commencing in August. Information will be provided to students in Week 2. Through workshops and debates, students will learn and hone the craft of debating, developing the confidence, critical thinking and communication skills that are the hallmarks of the program.
Public Speaking Competitions
Our students have also embraced a wide range of public speaking opportunities throughout the year. Competitors have represented the School in competitions run by Rotary, Rostrum, the Debaters Association of Victoria and Bond University. Across these events, students have spoken on a diverse range of both prepared and impromptu topics, developing the confidence to communicate thoughtfully and authentically.
House Debating and Public Speaking
Students will participate in our much anticipated and hotly contested House Debating and House Public Speaking competitions, events that showcase the breadth of speaking talent across the School.
We look forward to an exciting term ahead and to celebrating the students’ achievements in The Debating and Public Speaking Assembly held next month.
Ms Merran O’Connor
Head of Debating and Public Speaking