Department News

• History
• Performing Arts
• Visual Arts

History

It has been a busy couple of weeks for History students:

• The Scots College History Society ran an evening about the Cold War which is a Modern History topic that HSC students are currently studying. Expert presenters, David Christian and Chris Dixon, were involved in a very informative and engaging Q and A session that was most beneficial for the SPX boys.

• The HSC Modern, Ancient and Extension History students attended the History Teachers Association HSC History Study Day at Sydney University last Thursday. The boys were able to go to four different sessions which all provided practical advice of several areas of their courses. Our own Mrs Gripton presented on a number of topics – Agripinna, the Cold War and how to approach the Modern History examination. Feedback from the SPX historians was very positive.
• Brett Hunt performed his one man show “Fighting the Kaiser” for all of Year 10 History students. This moving piece about a scarred Australian veteran of World War One brings up issues about the impacts of the war which was such a turning point in our history.

Mr P Rodgers - History/Legal Studies Coordinator

Performing Arts

GONDWANA CHOIRS PRESENT ETERNAL VOICES:  Congratulations to Lachlan Donlevy who performed with the “Young Men’s Choir” at this concert at the City Recital Hall last Thursday evening. The program featured the world premiere of “Moments that Shaped Australia”, composed by Dan Walker, a compelling work highlighting significant moments in the history of our country.

SENIOR DRAMA ENSEMBLE NIGHT:  ‘ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST’

Those who were brave enough to venture out in last night’s weather to view this performance were well rewarded. During their Monday afternoon rehearsals, the Senior Drama Ensemble have been exploring the hilarious and farcical play ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’ by Italian playwright Dario Fo. Last night they presented scenes from Act 1, where Inspector Bertozzo is interrogating a clever quick-witted and mischievous fraudster, simply known as The Maniac. The Maniac then goes on to impersonate a judge in order to bamboozle the police and get them to admit their role in the death of the anarchist. Thank you to Ms Penny Lindley for her energetic and enthusiastic guidance of the students and congratulations to those who performed; Alec Ramsbottom, Reuben Jacobson, Max Wilkins, Ashley Johnson (Year 9), Adam Hawthorne, Taylor Alan (Year 10), Sam Schyvens, Lachlan Donlevy, John-Paul Shahady, James Bleasdale, Ky Simpson, Nicholas McKenzie and Nicholas Cowie (Year 11).

MEET THE MUSIC:  Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 Elective Music students will be attending the final concert for the year TOMORROW NIGHT at 6.30pm at the Sydney Opera House. The students should be in their seats no later than 6.15pm and the Concert concludes at approximately 8.00pm (please note the earlier finish time).

A THOUSAND CRANES 

Best wishes to Ms Kate Caron (Director) and the cast and crew of “A Thousand Cranes” as they move into their last week of rehearsals.

Tickets are still available for performances on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th June commencing at 7.00pm in the Sarto Centre. They can be purchased through Trybooking on: https://www.trybooking.com/388035

INSTRUMENTAL/VOICE TUITION TERM 2 REPORTS:  Parents should receive the Term 2 report from tutors by email or post in the last week of term or first week of the holidays. If it does not arrive please email TBates@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au so it can be followed up.

YEAR 12 DRAMA HSC SHOWCASE:  A Term 3 date for your diary! Our Year 12 HSC Drama students will be presenting their individual and group performances on Thursday 26th July at 6.00pm in the Sarto Centre. This date is different to the one published in the College calendar, so please make a note of the change. This is one of the last opportunities that the students will have to showcase their work prior to the HSC, so it would be wonderful if there was a large and enthusiastic audience to see their work.

AMEB (ROCKSCHOOL) EXAMINATION RESULT:  Congratulations to Joshua Jones (Year 9) on attaining a High Distinction in his recent Grade 3 Bass Guitar Examination. The markers specifically commented on Joshua’s excellent performance and improvisational skills.

Ms T Bates - Performing Arts Coordinator

Visual Arts

Students and parents who participated in the Vivid Photographic evenings can have an A3 print made of their favourite shot. The printer is supplied by Canon as part of the event along with A3+ paper and inks but we only have it for a short time so get your SD card down to the Art Staff room as soon as you’ve made a choice.

Thanks again to all those who came along to support the quest for Speedlights. Your contribution of over $650 will go a long way to establish a studio lighting setup.

In The Studio

Year 9 Photographic and Digital Media students have been constructing websites to showcase their works from the year. They have had to work on curating, layout skills and critical writing. Here’s an impressive sample from Ben Marino   https://benmarino2423.wixsite.com/mysite/chatswood

Year 10 students are building confidence handling paint in their portraits. They have been encouraged to emulate other artists and this example by Matthew Weir does a great job borrowing from Ben Quilty’s portrait of Margaret Olley.

Mr M Anderson - Visual Arts Coordinator