From the Principal
The Performing Arts at the Heart of a Loreto Education
Whilst the cooler days of Autumn have arrived, and we continue our journey through the liturgical season of Easter, our College is also alive with another unmistakable rhythm: the energy of the performing arts season. Across the College, rehearsal rooms hum with music, scripts are well-thumbed and marked with notes, choreography is practised repeatedly in corridors and classrooms, and students are discovering the joy, challenge and discipline that come with performance. There is a vibrancy at this time of year that is impossible to miss, and it speaks powerfully to the valued place the performing arts hold within our Loreto community.
Our Year 5 students are currently preparing for their production of Mary Poppins, embracing both the excitement and challenge that comes with stepping onto the stage. There is something genuinely special about watching students at this age discover performance, learning lines, mastering choreography, and working together to bring a story to life. Beyond the obvious enjoyment, they are developing a willingness to take creative risks, qualities that will serve them well far beyond this production.
In the Senior School, our music students have just returned from a highly successful weekend at Generations in Jazz in Mount Gambier. Performing and competing at this level requires not only talent, but commitment and discipline. Our Division 1 Small Vocals group achieved an outstanding 3rd place, and we were especially proud to see our senior vocal coach, Ms Stacey Theel, recognised with a Vocal Director Award. These achievements reflect hours of rehearsal, a deep sense of ensemble, and the pursuit of excellence that defines our programs.
This week, our Year 11 Drama students presented Girl Asleep, and audiences were treated to a thoughtful and engaging performance. Bringing a production to the stage requires courage, collaboration, and persistence, and our students should be proud of what they achieved. Productions such as these remind us that theatre is the ultimate collective effort.
At the same time, senior students are turning their attention to the upcoming Performing Arts Festival, an important moment in our calendar that brings together music, drama and musical theatre in a celebration of student voice and creativity.
What stands out most at this time of year is not the number of performances on the calendar, but the culture that underpins them. The performing arts are not an “extra” at our College, they are a vital and valued part of who we are. Our programs provide students with opportunities to collaborate, to think creatively, to communicate with clarity and purpose, and to develop the confidence to stand before an audience and be heard.
These experiences matter deeply. They shape young people who are adaptable, empathetic, disciplined, and willing to engage with the world around them. Whether students go on to careers in the arts or in entirely different fields, the skills they develop through music, drama and performance remain with them for life.
As the season unfolds, there is much to look forward to and much to celebrate. It is a privilege to witness our students embracing these opportunities with enthusiasm and commitment, and to see the performing arts continue to flourish as an important cornerstone of College life.
Kylie McCullah
Principal