The Performing Arts program is one of the defining features of life at Gardenvale Primary. It’s where children discover creativity, grow in confidence and experience the joy of sharing their talents. From choirs and musicals to theatre sports and assemblies, the program is a celebration of our school community and the arts.

At the centre of it all is our Performing Arts teacher, Mr Tom Pitts. Students say he “treats us like his friends” and makes every lesson fun. His energy and love of music create a space where children feel safe to experiment, take risks and shine. Year six students Ava, Aggie and Tom shared that theatre sports is a favourite because it’s a chance to “work in a group all together,” sometimes leading, sometimes playing games, and always finishing with a sense of achievement - even medals! They also spoke with excitement about learning new instruments: “One week you might not know anything about piano, but the next week you’ll know so much.” His teaching, they say, is “awesome,” but the most magical part of all is the school musical, which they describe as professional, unforgettable and truly special.

Mr Pitts himself says, “I love seeing a student really into something and helping them find ways to show that skill.” Whether through the JETS choir, which even performs at nursing homes, or big events like Gardenvale’s Got Talent, The Dance Off, and end-of-year concerts, he is always encouraging children to discover what excites them most. “There’s something about the students at Gardenvale, I just want them to win. I’m always in their corner, and I just love teaching them.”

His passion for music began early. Growing up, he dreamed of becoming a football commentator like Bruce McAvaney, but also longed to perform in musicals. At university he wrote and staged his own shows, creating both scripts and original music. He’s never stopped playing - piano is his first love, with guitar close behind for the joy of singing while strumming. His record collection ranges from Paul McCartney to The Whitlams and Nick Cave - and yes, Kate Bush, who most students now know thanks to Stranger Things.

But the Performing Arts program at Gardenvale is not just Tom’s story. His colleague, Ms Ilsa Cook, has been teaching Performing Arts at the school for 14 years and shares his passion for creating opportunities for every child. For her, Gardenvale has a feeling that “you don’t necessarily get at any other school”, a unique connection with both the children and the wider community. “It’s the willingness to engage that makes teaching here such a joy,” she explains. “The students are pleased to be at school and it’s a pleasure to teach them.” Ilsa describes the program as inclusive and full of opportunities, from formal concerts to informal gatherings, that encourage everyone to “have a go.”

Parent and community involvement is central, she says, creating moments of celebration that keep Gardenvale closely connected. Grade 1 student Lyla agrees, saying that “Ms Cook is really nice and makes the Performing Arts classes super fun and interesting.”

Some of Ilsa's favourite memories are of the smaller but deeply meaningful events, such as the annual Grandparents Day Concert. “It’s not just parents who come along - it’s the older generation too. Children get to share their learning with their grandparents and it gives everyone a beautiful sense of community.” She also highlights the Bush Dance, her standout event of the year, which brings the whole school together at the end of Term One. “Everyone’s involved, everyone’s up and dancing, and it sets the celebratory tone we carry right through the year.”

Like Tom, Ilsa’s love for the arts began young. She dreamed of becoming a ballerina, always loved singing, and eventually studied a Performing Arts degree majoring in drama before completing her teaching qualification. Her varied taste in music, from 80s classics to classical, continues to inspire her lessons today. She treasures teaching skills that students can carry into secondary school and beyond: “They leave Gardenvale with a strong foundation in both music and drama, and that’s something they’ll always have.”

Parent contributions have been vital in making the program possible. “Their support has funded sets, costumes, and instruments, including 30 pianos and 150 ukuleles that students can even take home. Without these contributions, Gardenvale simply wouldn’t be able to offer such rich and rewarding opportunities,” Tom explains. The program has also shown remarkable resilience and creativity, such as during COVID when the Such is Life musical was filmed entirely on green screen so that “the show went on.” Students now treasure the chance to join new initiatives too, like the hugely popular Karaoke Club, run by student captains, which brings even more joy and connection into the week.

For Mr Pitts, the program is never just about skills, but about giving every child the chance to feel seen, valued, and inspired. “If you have an idea at Gardenvale, everyone is up for the challenge,” he says, reflecting on the support from colleagues, families, and students.

The result is a Performing Arts program that is so much more than music or drama. It is where friendships grow, confidence blossoms, and creativity flourishes. Every performance, every rehearsal, and every song reflects the spirit of Gardenvale Primary and none of it would shine quite the same without the passion and care of our fabulous teachers, especially Mr Pitts and Ms Cook, whose kindness, energy, and love of music and performance bring us all together.

Team Kids

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