Connections Centre
Specialist Feature News - Performing Arts
Selamat Siang semuanya,
What a lovely start to the Performing Arts we have had in the Creative Hub! Our weeks have been filled with music and movement as we explore sound and its place in storytelling. With NAIDOC Week celebrations starting the term, we have continued to explore the connection between our First Nations people, country and all its inhabitants through 'inspiration texts', written or illustrated by First Nations artists.
The Foundation students have been exploring our unique Australian wildlife, creating movements that reflect the individual characteristics of animals such as kookaburras, kangaroos and emus. They have been experimenting with percussion instruments to play to the beat of different songs that link with our weekly focus. We will continue to use the beautiful illustrations and rhythmic text of Kangaroos Jump to explore further how we can use music and dance to communicate in creative ways.
The Grade 1/2 students have been using the mentor text Kookaburra as a tool to explore the many sounds produced by simple percussion instruments. Within smaller groups, the students have been trying their hand at both familiar and unfamiliar instruments to create a soundscape for the story. From ocean drums creating the sound of trees blowing in the wind, to drums adding dramatic effect to the battle of rival kookaburra families, the students are enjoying the process of learning how sound production can add to the written word.
The Grade 3/4 students have started their musical exploration with either the Kookaburra or Desert Lake texts, creating soundscapes as a whole class that highlighted how timing, rhythm and tone can work together to create atmosphere and mood. They now move on to Come Together Again: A Celebration of First Nations Music, Song and Dance, and continue to explore Indigenous music and its deep connection to country and the natural environment of Australia.
The Grade 5/6 students have been demonstrating their independence and creativity through exploration of Desert Lake: the story of Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre. Focusing on representing sound in the natural environment, students were set the challenge to create a unique soundscape for a specific section of the text. From heavy rains to sweltering desert heat, students are finding creative ways to manipulate the sound of both tuned and untuned instruments to represent the varied landscape and climate of outback Australia.
Terima kasih (Thank you) for the warm welcome to Mount Pleasant Road!
Warm regards,
Kate Tyson
Bu Yana - Indonesian Sam - Visual Art
Kate - Performing Arts Steph & Jess - Science
Eryn - Physical Education
Reminders:
Important Dates for your diary -
District Athletics - Thursday 11th September 2025
Specialist Awards:
SCIENCE
Junior - Samin F (FA) For posing questions and sharing your knowledge about which materials are waterproof.
Senior - Anoshka M (3/4E) For demonstrating a love of learning when discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using plastic in everyday life.
INDONESIAN
Junior -
Senior -
VISUAL ARTS
Junior - Lily G (1/2CS) For demonstrating creativity and care when adding texture to your Rainbow Serpent scales!
Senior - Xavier H (5/6G) For demonstrating creativity and a love of learning when drawing your detailed banana.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Junior - Phil T (FE) - For being a great role model for his peers during sports sessions.
Senior - Hana K (3/4A) - For demonstrating a love of learning throughout athletics.
PERFORMING ARTS
Junior - Fletcher B (FE) - For your excellent listening skills and enthusiasm to be part of all the experiences in Performing Arts, Impressive stuff, Fletcher!
Senior - Krish S (5/6N) - For sharing your incredible skills on the djembe drum. We look forward to hearing more of your musical talent as the year progresses!