Performing Arts Update!

Music

With the Redgum Festival fast approaching—our first formal performance of the year—students have been working hard to prepare a four-part instrumental ensemble. There has been plenty of focus on rhythm and practice, and while playing different parts simultaneously is a challenging skill, it’s fantastic to see their progress and perseverance paying off.

Music In Schools

I recently spent two days in Melbourne engaging in professional learning through the Music in Schools Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. It was an inspiring experience, with valuable conversations, new connections and a range of engaging sessions and resources to explore. I’m excited to bring these ideas back to the classroom, as well as continue building our partnership with music teachers in Warrnambool. Watch this space!

Dance

Students have been enjoying using Ausdance Activate Dance cards, selecting activities at random and exploring how their bodies move both independently and as part of a group. It’s been wonderful to see their creativity, coordination and collaboration grow through these engaging experiences.

Drama

F–2 students have been exploring There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly through drama, music and storytelling. Using stick and hand puppets, they have enjoyed embodying characters and retelling the story through collaborative performances. A big thank you to Mrs Steele for sharing her special puppet with us!

Years 3–5 have been working with The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan, exploring storybook drama through digital technology. Students collaborated in groups to create their own TV advertisements using iMovie, and thoroughly enjoyed filming and bringing their creative ideas to life on the iPads.

Choir

Students are settling into their official choir positions and becoming more confident with where they stand. We’ve been warming up our voices and learning new repertoire, and it’s exciting to hear our sound continue to improve as we work towards sharing it with you!

"The Dish Kids" School Band

Students have been enjoying their time exploring and playing together in the school band. They’ve been jamming to favourites like Macarena and Green, Green Grass using a wide variety of instruments. It’s been wonderful to have extra time to follow students’ interests, giving them the opportunity to experiment with skills such as piano chords and drum beats in a fun, collaborative environment.

Eisteddfod - Entries are OPEN NOW!

Speech & Drama

Please keep an eye on the uEducateUs app. I’m looking for numbers of students who could attend the Eisteddfod on the Saturday of the June long weekend, as we may enter some drama ensembles (lots of fun!). Students interested in Speech & Drama solos should be entered online by families but I can help select a poem and work with the student.

Entries for the Hamilton Eisteddfod are NOW OPEN so jump online by following the link below: https://hamiltoneisteddfod.org.au/competitor-information/#enter

Film

Exciting news! The Eisteddfod is running its first ever film competition this year with the theme WATER. Primary students can create and submit their own short film (even using iMovie). Films must be original work, rated G, and not created with AI assistance.

See the website for more details: https://hamiltoneisteddfod.org.au/eisteddfod-details/film/

Warm regards,

Mrs Huf

The Sweet Spot - Red Gum Festival Fundraiser