Performing Arts

ACC Junior Debating Competition

Congratulations to our Year 8 debaters, Harry Clark, Jack Urquhart, Joseph Knobel and Xxavier Ballinger, who won the Division 1 of the ACC junior debating competition held at St Bernard’s on Monday, 10 November.

In Round 1, they defeated Parade College arguing for the topic "that electronic devices have destroyed the playground". In Round 2, they beat St Bernard's arguing against the topic "that sports people are not good role models". 

In Round 3, they defeated a very strong Mazenod College arguing against the topic "that water is an undervalued resource in Australia". Coaches Archer Mohr and Ms Allen couldn’t be prouder of this team who showed impeccable sportsmanship, focus and teamwork on the day and also throughout the year. Watch out for these up-and-coming debaters as they move through the school! 

Aladdin JR!

What an amazing journey we have travelled in order bring to you this incredible show.  Just some of the images here are from our technical run where we put up all the set with lighting and sound. Others are from the dress rehearsal where our costumes simply blew us away and there are a few from our incredible performance for the primary schools. The cheers (and boos at our evil character, Jafar) were electrifying.  It was so incredible for our cast to receive such great audience feedback, that it made every second worth it.  We are ever grateful to have brought to life this fabled adventure for a younger generation to witness. 

The spectacle our Performing Arts Centre has afforded us is second to none.  Our outstanding and thriving community support has brought students from Loreto, Ballarat Clarendon College as well as Damascus College all wanting to join our cast.  The word about our great shows has spread in the community enabling us to bring all the excitement and flair this production deserves. 

With opportunities for our students to get involved in the lighting aspect, to form part of the backstage crew as well as stage managing, we thoroughly see this performance as more than performing but refining our technical skills as well. Many of our senior students are supporting the younger cast through these extended roles.  Sometimes it is difficult to appreciate the scope of a show when so much is ‘hidden’ backstage.  I wanted to take this opportunity to throw some light not just on our incredible performers and guests but our behind-the-scenes crew from making set, painting set, collating costumes, sorting make-up to running the show’s lighting with support from our professional technical team, SLC. 

Looking at the sheer joy in the faces of not just the audience but cast and crew as the students showcase their work is one of the most incredible things to behold. These opportunities create life-long memories and connections for students.  It has been my absolute pleasure to have facilitated this super show for students. I don’t work alone.  Thank you to the 2025 Aladdin JR team of teachers with a particular shout out to Ms Allen, Mrs Dunne, Mr Snibson and Sonya Roberts to name but a few who have tirelessly worked to create magic on our stage. 

- Ms Samantha Bashford-Leger, Director