Performing Arts News 

From Dan Dinnen, Patrick Connor and Sam Howard, Performing Arts teachers

Term 2 and we have hit the ground running in Performing Arts! 

It’s been great to see the students after the break and to continue moving, grooving, exploring, dramatizing and discovering, and of course joining our voices to sing and play songs from different cultures, times and places, as well as some closer to home.

Last term, our Errol Street Campus students learned “My Island Home” (Wurumpi Band, made famous by Christine Anu). We started adding in some vocal harmonies to the introduction, and also had students from Xylophone Club providing accompaniment. Lunchtime music clubs have started up again with our ESC Choir and Xylophone Clubs ready to perform at our Family Picnic in Week 3. Ukulele Club is going well, and we have some performances planned for later in the year.

Last term, Grade 3-4s used movement and drama to explore Iuk (eel) Season, an important part of the Wurundjeri Seasonal Calendar. Students were introduced to the story of Iuk Season and then worked in groups to create still and moving images using teamwork, collaboration, focus and stagecraft. We had students working in groups again straight after the break, and they have shown their ability to focus, collaborate and express their ideas is just as sharp! 

This term we will continue to sing, play instruments, express ideas through movement and make drama! 

We are also very excited to be hosting the Djirri Djirri Dance Group for performances and workshops at both campuses this term. Djirri Djirri are a local (Wurundjeri) women’s dance group who our Grade 3-4s are familiar with from their work last term. Having them visit our school is an amazing opportunity to connect with local indigenous culture and performing arts practice – more info soon!