Department News
China Trip
- Languages
- Performing Arts
- Science
Languages
CHINA TRIP - Report by Hamish Alexander
Shanghai (上海), meaning above water, was one of the places we had an opportunity to visit while in China. For me, it was a personal favourite. There was a profound sense of wonder within me while we were walking along the busy streets of Pudong, surrounded on all sides by Feudal buildings that towered over us and rain that refused to hold. This was the sort of wonder and amazement found in a small child lost in a very large department store. Everything was so foreign and unrecognisable, but that’s part of the reason of why you can’t stop marvelling at it, even getting lost amongst the crowd and having to wait for your tour group to find you was part of the thrill. This experience was unmatched for me throughout the trip but others came close.
While still in Shanghai we took a ferry up the Pearl River running through Shanghai and as in most places throughout China, were a crowd favourite because of our appearance ... variations of tall, fair and curly-haired. People were in a rush to converse and take photos and not only did this send our ego through the roof because of our new celebrity status, it also allowed us to share unforgettable memories in attempting to hold a conversation with the locals, which was quite challenging.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Yu Gardens. Its peaceful serenity was a stark contrast to its busy surroundings and we took the time to take some quality panoramas on our phones. We continued to drop our jaws as we took in our surroundings, occasionally interrupting our train of thought to ponder on how it would feel to put your feet in the small rivers filled with large fish that wound their way through the gardens.
Shanghai was an experience I will never forget and hope to go back one day .
Performing Arts
ROCK FOR A REASON
Last Friday afternoon saw several St Pius X College musicians join forces with Mercy College for this annual concert. It was great to see the collaboration between the two schools at this student organised event. It was also wonderful to see a large number of St Pius X College boys in the audience.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT WILLOWOOD
Thank you to Miss Whelan, Ms Waddington and the Vocal Ensemble for the joy they brought to the residents of Willowood Nursing Home on Monday afternoon. The Christmas carols they sang certainly went down a treat with the residents and staff. Thank you also to Mr Listo for organising this opportunity and for transporting the students.
COLLEGE ORCHESTRA
A reminder to all students in the Orchestra that this Friday’s rehearsal will commence at 7.00am and finish by 8.00am to accommodate those students who need to leave early to assist in setting up for Founder’s Day.
CHRISTMAS TWILGHT CONCERT
Our last Concert for the year is on Friday 1st December (Week 8) commencing at 5.00pm in the Junior School yard. The following ensembles will be performing; Junior, Intermediate and Senior Concert and Jazz Bands, Intermediate and Senior Percussion Ensembles, Junior and Senior Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Senior String Ensemble, College Orchestra and Junior Drama Ensemble. Parking will be available in the College yard and it is anticipated that the Concert will conclude between 7.15 – 7.30pm. There will be the usual barbeque run by the Performing Arts Parents Association and also a raffle, where first and second prizes are Christmas hampers and third a gift voucher. We look forward to seeing many of you there!
AMEB RESULTS
Congratulations to the following students and their tutor Ms Waddington on the following results; Year 5: Luke Mooney ‘Honours’ Grade 1 Piano, Ashley Kwan ‘Honours’ Grade 1 Piano for Leisure, Alex Yastreboff ‘Honours’ Grade 2 Piano; Peter Yastreboff ‘Credit’ Grade 4 Piano; Year 8: Thomas Hopkins ‘Honours’ Grade 2 Piano for Leisure; Year 9: Daniel Halverson ‘Honours’ Grade 3 Piano for Leisure, Oliver Bowers ‘Credit’ Grade 4 Piano for Leisure; Year 10: Jonathan Ling ‘Credit’ Grade 5 Piano; and Year 11: Matthew Gardiner ‘Credit’ Grade 6 Piano.
Ms T Bates - Performing Arts Coordinator
Science
Fun Science Opportunity for Students Aged 8 to 12: Science, Model Making, Cartooning & Animation