MUSIC

Instrumental music lessons in 2026

Instrumental music lessons are now well underway for 2026, with approximately 200 students across the school participating in weekly instrumental tuition.

These lessons form an important part of our Specialist Music Program and support students’ musical, cognitive and personal development.

Lesson timetables and Daymap

Instrumental lesson times are published on Daymap.
Early in the year, lessons may appear week by week while timetables are finalised. Once confirmed, schedules will be uploaded by term.
Lesson times may change during the term as instrumental teachers assess student progress and adjust groupings to ensure students receive instruction at an appropriate level.

Assessments and lesson clashes for year 7 to 10

If a classroom assessment is scheduled during a student’s instrumental lesson time:

Students are expected to speak with their classroom teacher to negotiate an alternative time to complete the assessment.
Students should continue to attend their instrumental lesson, unless an alternative arrangement has been approved.

Attendance expectations

Instrumental lessons are a compulsory component of the school’s music program.
If a student does not attend two instrumental lessons within a term, a detention will be issued.
Families are encouraged to support students by reminding them to check Daymap regularly and arrive prepared and on time for lessons.

Rotating lesson schedule

Instrumental lessons operate on a rotating timetable, ensuring students do not miss the same classroom lesson two weeks in a row.

Which day is my instrument?

Monday – woodwind
Tuesday – brass
Wednesday – strings and percussion
Thursday – woodwind and bass

If you have any questions about instrumental lessons or timetabling, please encourage your child to check Daymap in the first instance or contact Director of Music and The Arts Suriya Down on Suriya.down908@schools.sa.edu.au for clarification.

We appreciate your ongoing support of instrumental music at the school and look forward to a rewarding year of learning and music-making.

Article by Suriya Down | Director of Music and The Arts

DANCE

Leaps and Bounds Dance Program 2026

Our Stage 2 Dance students recently attended the Leaps and Bounds Dance Program 2026 at the Adelaide Festival Centre, a specialist learning experience designed for Stage 2 Dance students to engage with industry professionals through practical workshops.

As part of the day, students participated in Australian Dance Theatre’s Creative Practice and Choreography in Response to your Environment workshop. This session challenged students to explore how movement can be inspired by space, environment, and contemporary choreographic processes.

This opportunity allowed students to connect classroom learning with real-world practice, continuing to support them to aspire and achieve. Well done to all students for their focus, creativity, and commitment throughout the day.

Article by Suriya Down | Director of Music and The Arts

DRAMA

Take the Stage Drama Day 2026

Our Stage 2 Drama students recently attended the Take the Stage Drama Day 2026 at the Adelaide Festival Centre, engaging in a range of practical workshops designed to support their learning in Drama.

Students worked with industry professionals Mark Oates, Hew Parham and Matt Crook, gaining valuable insights into performance, devising, and creative collaboration.

The experience strengthened their skills, confidence and understanding of professional theatre practice.

This opportunity supported students to aspire and achieve, connecting their classroom learning with real-world experiences. Well done to all students for their enthusiastic and professional participation.

Article by Suriya Down | Director of Music and The Arts

VISUAL ART

Senior art students visit Adelaide Zoo and Botanical Gardens

In week 4 of this term, our senior art students had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Adelaide Zoo and Botanical Gardens, accompanied by Mrs Sweet and Ms Jaensch.

During their excursion, students enthusiastically captured photographs and created sketches, gathering inspiration from the natural beauty and diverse wildlife on display.

Since returning, the students have dedicated time and effort to developing unique artworks in their own individual styles and choice of media. Each piece is a personal response to their observations and experiences from the day, highlighting the wide range of artistic interests and talents within our senior art cohort.

We are pleased to announce that these diverse and creative works are now being exhibited in the front office atrium. We encourage everyone in our school community to visit the display and celebrate the hard work and artistic achievement of our senior art students.

Year 8 - Oil pastel

Year 8 students have been immersed in an exploration of colour and saturation through the use of oil pastel sticks. They have developed their technical skills by mastering layering and blending techniques, resulting in bold and captivating artworks that showcase their growing understanding of the dynamic interplay between warm and cool hues.

These vibrant pieces not only demonstrate technical proficiency but also evoke a powerful visual impact. A curated selection of their outstanding work will be exhibited in the Art Room for the upcoming Open Night in week 10, offering a compelling showcase of their creativity and artistic progression.

Article by Aimee Sweet (Cullen) | Visual Art and Photography Teacher

Aberfoyle Park High School Newsletter

Respect | Care and Compassion | Honesty

Issue 2 · 26 Mar 2026

In this issue