Department News

• Performing Arts
• Visual ArtsYear 10 Visits the Archibald Exhibition
• -  Visual Arts and Photographic /Digital Media

• -  

Performing Arts

By John Paul Shahady and Hannah Nolan

A THOUSAND CRANES:  In March this year we began rehearsals for the upcoming combined Mercy College and St Pius X College play, A Thousand Cranes, written by Karen Schultz Miller. The play is an appropriation of the novel ‘Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes’ and it is being directed by Ms Kate Caron, the Mercy College Drama Teacher.

A Thousand Cranes is based on the true story of 12 year old Sadako Saski. When Sadako falls ill her friend Kenji reminds her of an ancient Japanese story:  “If a sick person folds a 1000 origami cranes, the Gods will grant her wish and make her healthy again.” With boundless optimism, Sadako takes on the task of folding hundreds of origami cranes. Rehearsals have been going extremely well and all students are looking forward to sharing Sadako’s journey with the audience.

Comments from the Cast:

Hannah:  “I read this book in primary school and rehearsing for the play is a great experience. Everyone is working really hard and we are looking forward to showcasing the story of Sadako.”

Sam:  “It’s an awesome experience to work on.”

John-Paul:  “I am a Year 11 student looking to do Drama for the HSC.  A Thousand Cranes is a great production to be part of because it is dynamic and technically demanding, which will be of great benefit in my HSC preparations.”

James:  “This is the fourth production I’ve taken part in. A Thousand Cranes has a unique storyline, characters and acting techniques. It has a distinctive atmosphere that I’m sure the students and audience will enjoy.”

Claudia and Bella:  “The story of Sadako and her paper cranes has always been a classic so being able to take part in this production is very special to both of us. Given the seriousness of the story, everybody is very respectful whilst rehearsing and dedicated and committed to learning their parts. We’re very excited for everyone to see this production, as we have all worked hard to put it together.”

‘A Thousand Cranes’ will be performed at the Sarto Centre on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th June at 7.00pm. Tickets will soon be available through trybooking.

SYDNEY EISTEDDFOD

Best wishes to Mr Dollin, Mr Power and our Jazz Bands with their final rehearsals in preparation for the Sydney Eisteddfod next Monday 4th June. All performances are taking place in the Concourse Concert Hall, with family and friends warmly invited to attend. The performance times are as follows: Junior Jazz Band 11.00am, Intermediate Jazz Band 1.30pm and Senior Jazz Band 7.30pm. A note has been emailed to all parents with further details.

Ms T Bates - Performing Arts Coordinator

Visual Arts

YEAR 10 VISIT TO THE ARCHIBALD EXHIBITION

By Louis Wellard

Last Thursday after Lunch, Ms Doyle’s Year 10 Visual Arts class caught a train into the city to view the Archibald Prize at the Art Galley of NSW. In class, we had been learning what it is, its history and the 2018 competitors.  

Before we went we chose a particular painting which interested us, and then we compared what we had seen online to real life. The works viewed on the screens give little justice to the magnificent artworks from these extremely talented artists.  

The painting by Paul Jackson, called Alison Whyte, a mother of the renaissance, was a work that intrigued the whole class because of its significant attention to detail and symmetry as well as its foreboding stare into the viewers.  

Along with the Archibald Prize the Wynne and Sulman exhibition was also taking place.  Overall the day was a great experience for the class because it expanded our understanding of portrait painting styles, which links  perfectly to our current topic.

VISUAL ARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC /DIGITAL MEDIA​

Visiting Artist:  Chris Horder, ex-student (1993) and professional painter with over twenty years’ experience spoke to the Year 12 Art students and gave a workshop to Year 9 about Nitan tonal techniques and composition. The students were so inspired we are hoping he can come back to work with Year 10 and 11 Art students. We wish Chris well for his exhibition in July at Nands/Hobbs Gallery in Chippendale.

Year 10 Excursion:  Year 10 art students enjoyed the afternoon excursion to The Archibald Prize. Their own portraits are almost finished and demonstrate a range of painting styles used to describe the subject’s character as well as likeness.

Canon Vivid Chatswood Event:  Tickets are still available for the Canon Collective Photographic Event for either 5th or 12th June. If you missed last week’s Woodchatta the details are repeated below.

Canon Australia are offering an exciting opportunity for students and parents to photograph the Vivid Festival in Chatswood. Canon Collective Staff are professional photographers who will supply cameras and shooting tips for a one hour session. Visual arts staff will also be assisting.

Dates:  Tuesday, June 5th or June 12th

Workshop details:

• 5:30 – 6:00pm: introduction to long exposures and low light photography.
• 6:00 – 7:00pm: photo walk around Chatswood Vivid precinct.
• 7:00pm:   return to school grounds, return gear, event concludes.

Inclusions:

• Canon EOS80D Super kit to use throughout the workshop.
• Manfrotto tripod to use throughout the workshop.
• 8G SD card to help capture your images, yours to keep.
• Tips and tricks from a Canon Collective ambassador to help you capture great images.
• Upon conclusion, an A3 print of your favourite image managed by the Visual Arts department.

All funds contribute to the acquisition of new equipment for the Visual Arts department. 

Tickets:  Each workshop is limited to 20 participants.  Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased through TryBooking at this link https://www.trybooking.com/385652

Please note there is a limit of two tickets per booking.

For further enquiries contact Mark Anderson manderson@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Mr M Anderson - Visual Arts Coordinator