Performing Arts
Music Matters
Junior School Concert: Congratulations to our Junior School students on their performance at our inaugural Junior School Concert last Friday, whereby every student in the Junior School played an instrument or sang to a full house of teachers, families and friends. Songs from The Beatles, Bruno Mars, INXS, The White Stripes and Michael Jackson were amongst those on the playlist. For many students, this was their first experience at performing on stage and they loved it! The audience was also treated to performances by the Junior Concert Band, Junior Chorale, Junior Guitar Ensemble, with the Rock Band Ensemble also assisting in accompanying Year 5 Red. Thank you to my colleagues, Mr Brendan Jones, Mr Andrew Saar, Mrs Stephanie Gan, Mr Stephen Cummins and Mr Shane Cranney and Mr David Sismey in their leading of the ensembles. It was a fabulous event showcasing this semester’s work in the Music classroom.
Special thanks to the Intermediate Concert Band and Ms Laura Power for entertaining the crowds at the Year 7 Orientation Day this week.
Christmas Twilight Concert
Our biggest celebration of the year will be happening again on 21 November starting at 5:00 pm, featuring all our ensembles. This is a festive concert, in a more casual context than the other twilight concerts, with access to food sales throughout the event and culminating in a cheery Christmas Carol sing-a-long. We look forward to celebrating the end of year with you.
Clipboard enrolments for Private Tuition and Ensembles
‘Performing Arts 2026’ will be open on Clipboard from the start of Week 7 for the whole holiday period.
Ensembles enrolment
All students wishing to be part of an ensemble, whether new or continuing, will need to enrol or re-enrol before Week 1 next year. Ensemble rehearsals for Music and Drama will be starting in Term 1, Week 2. For further enquiries please contact Ensembles Coordinator, Mr Andrew Saar: asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Private Tuition reminders
Students currently enrolled in private instrumental or vocal lessons at the College do not need to reapply for 2026 as enrolments will automatically roll over.
If your son will not be continuing lessons next year, please ensure that 3 weeks’ written notice is provided to his tutor before the end of term, in accordance with College policy and to assist with planning for 2026.
Applications for new private lessons in 2026 will open on Clipboard in the coming weeks.
For any private tuition enquiries, please contact your son’s tutor directly or Mr Stephen Cummins, Coordinator of Private Tuition, at scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Students who have hired instruments are reminded to return them to their tutor or the Music Office after their final lesson or ensemble rehearsal for the term.
For all other enquiries, please contact Ms Merryn Dodd, Performing Arts Administration Assistant, at sperformingarts@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
PAPA news
Christmas Twilight Concert - Friday 21 November
We are calling for 15+ volunteers to help from 2:30 pm to set up and cook the BBQ, as well as serve before and during the concert. 1 hour slots available!
Sign up here and support our PA boys - https://shorturl.at/zfrrZ
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President
(papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au)
Term 4 Performing Arts important dates for your diary
Tuesday 11 November – Remembrance Day Assembly – Senior Concert Band – 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Friday 21 November – Christmas Twilight Concert – All Concert Bands, all Jazz Bands, all Percussion Ensembles, Orchestra, Guitar Ensembles, Choirs, Rock Ensemble, Bass Ensemble – more information to come – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday 26 November - Forestville RSL, 6:45 pm – Junior Jazz
Tuesday 2 December – Road to Bethlehem – Ensembles TBC
Wednesday 3 December – End of Year Awards assembly – Senior Jazz Band
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Cocurricular Performances
Last week, the Cocurricular Showcase was an outstanding success, and it was heartening to see so many parents and community members in attendance. A warm thank you to PAPA for providing pizza and drinks for our students beforehand, as well as to everyone who lent a helping hand, including Mr. Andrew Sarr and our dedicated parents.
We are extremely fortunate to have Ms Elodie Westhoff, a professional actress, directing and teaching the Junior Ensemble for the past two years. We have strong numbers in all three ensembles. This showcase provided a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to witness the growth in skills, talent, and dedication displayed by our performers across all years.
The talent in the Performing Arts is truly remarkable, and each student should feel incredibly proud of their performances, alongside our exceptional young actors and technical crew. Well done to everyone involved! Please see more photos of the night in the link below:
Upcoming Drama events
Wednesday 5 November: HSC Drama Written Examination
Thursday 20 November: Drama Showcase, a selection of performances from students studying Drama in 2025 starting at 5:00 pm
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama