Performing Arts
Music Matters
It’s been another busy week in the Performing Arts!
I am immensely proud of our musicians and choristers who worked tirelessly in rehearsals to provide such uplifting and inspiring music for our 2026 Commencement Mass.
Our opening hymn, Awesome God, began with the Drumline and Celebration Orchestra performing with tremendous energy and spirit. The singing, beautifully led by our Senior Chorale, was embraced wholeheartedly by the entire congregation, creating a powerful and joyful atmosphere. Louis Park (Year 7) served as cantor for the Responsorial Psalm, sharing his angelic vocal tones with confidence and reverence.
Special thanks must also go to Mr Saar, Mr Balboa, Ms Gan, Mr Jones and Mr Cummins for their dedication and support in making the music for this celebration so memorable.
High Achievers’ Assembly
Our Senior Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr Geoff Power, played superbly at The Concourse last week to celebrate our 2025 HSC High achievers, many of whom were musicians and drama students!
Parent Information Evening
It was wonderful to have so many new (and old!) parents attend our Performing Arts Information Evening on Monday night. The event provided an excellent opportunity for us to share the exciting range of activities and programs available to students in the Performing Arts department. Parents had the chance to meet our passionate and dedicated teachers, learn about the various performance opportunities, and gain insights into how these programs help foster creativity, teamwork, and confidence in students. It was encouraging to see such a positive turnout and enthusiasm from the families, and we're excited to see how their involvement will enrich the experience of our students this year.
PAPA AGM
It was wonderful to see so many new parents keen to become part of our PAPA (Performing Arts Parents’ Association) community. Last Monday evening’s AGM was highly productive, brimming with creative energy and an abundance of exciting ideas for the year ahead.
Most PAPA meetings are held online, making it easy for parents to be involved. Our support is focused primarily on organising refreshments for our musicians and drama students prior to concerts and performances, as well as coordinating fundraising initiatives - including much-anticipated events such as our Comedy Night.
If you would like to find out more or become involved, please contact our PAPA President, Mrs Sylvia Ulevik, at papaparents@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Ensembles and Private Music Tuition information on Clipboard
Clipboard addresses the requirements of Private Tuition lessons, Instrument Hire and Ensemble participation including:
Lesson costings
What to do if your child is absent
Instrument Loan Hire information terms and costings
Cancellation policy
Performing Arts Levy
Ensemble rehearsals are now well under way, with most ensembles now rehearsing busily for performances or ‘open rehearsals’ at Open Day. Information regarding Open Day performance times and venues will be provided soon in Woodchatta.
Should your son be interested in joining a particular ensemble, he is welcome to come and try it out during the advertised rehearsal time. The Ensemble Director will then be able to determine if that ensemble is the best fit for him and if there is availability on his instrument. Ensemble enrolment is via Clipboard, where you can select the ensemble of interest, and the Ensemble Director will place your son in the relevant ensemble.
Private Tuition information
Most students will have commenced their lessons, although a few will be starting in the coming week. Tutors will contact parents directly to inform them of lesson times, which will be rotated each week. Junior School students will be accompanied to/from the Music rooms by their tutor.
Here are some reminders from our Coordinator of Private Tuition, Mr Stephen Cummins scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au:
• All students need to take their diaries with them to each music lesson. The tutor will sign the “Out Of Class” page.
• Please carefully place your instrument in the instrument storeroom. Students are to keep this area neat and tidy.
• Parents, if your son is absent from school and it happens to be on their music lesson day, please let your tutor know directly prior to the start of school.
Music and Drama Ensembles
List of Ensemble Directors
Mr Shane Cranney - Junior Guitar, Intermediate Guitar, Senior Guitar
Mr Stephen Cummins - Bass Guitar Ensemble, Junior Digital, Intermediate Digital, Senior Digital
Mr Brendan Jones - Rock Ensemble, Live Production
Ms Nicole Kim - String Ensemble, String Quartet
Mr Pawel Lewandowski - Intermediate Percussion
Ms Penny Lindley - Intermediate Drama, Senior Drama
Mr Geoff Power - Senior Jazz, Senior Concert Band
Ms Laura Power - Junior Jazz, Intermediate Jazz, Intermediate Concert Band
Mr Andrew Saar - Senior Chorale
Mr David Sismey - Junior Concert Band
Dr JB Smith - Drumline, Junior Percussion, Senior Percussion
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Junior Chorale
Ms Elodie Westhoff - Junior Drama
Please see our 2026 Ensembles schedule below. Ensembles commence in Week 2. Students should go to the room listed for their rehearsal.
Note: The Sarto Centre is at the corner of Anderson and Daisy Streets, just up from the Waterford Learning Centre.
Performing Arts Cultural Tour: Our inaugural tour is shaping up well and a detailed email has been sent to relevant families with updated information. Instalment 3 is now open on Clipboard and due by 20 February please.
Important Performing Arts dates Term 1:
Week 4, Saturday 21/2 – Chatswood Chinese New Year Parade – Drumline, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. An email will be sent home to relevant families soon.
Week 7 – Saturday, 14/3 – Open Day – most ensembles
Week 10 – Wednesday 1/4 – Year 12 Major Works Day #1
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
ONSTAGE Excursion
On Wednesday 11 February, our Year 11 Drama attended the annual ONSTAGE performances and exhibition at the Seymour Centre. Photos will be included in next week’s Woodchatta.
Drama Ensembles
All Drama Ensembles are now up and running, and it has been wonderful to welcome our new students and reconnect with returning members. Each ensemble has started the year with fantastic energy and a vibrant creative atmosphere. If any students are yet to sign up, please do so on Clipboard at your earliest convenience. We are also delighted to welcome back Ms Elodie Westhoff as the Junior Drama Ensemble Director - her teaching and support of our Junior School students is invaluable.
Upcoming Dates:
Junior, Intermediate and Senior Drama ensembles began this week. Please remember to enrol onto Clipboard.
ONSTAGE Performances: Year 11 Elective Drama will head to the Seymour Centre in week 2. Students will meet at the venue at 6:45 pm on Wednesday 11 February.
The IIiad at Sydney Theatre Company: 22 April. Elective Drama students will attend the matinee performance of this timeless classic.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama