Term 2 has seen some outstanding performances, innovative partnerships and growth across the Creative and Performing Arts Department. A very big thank you to our school community for their support of our program. Nothing we do would be possible without the incredible Creative and Performing Arts team, Mrs Leanne Thomas, Mr Peter Fatupaito, Mr Rhys Hekimian and Mr Hamish Chapman and our amazing staff, students and families.
The Cabaret was a true highlight of the term, bringing together 220 students in an incredible celebration of our school’s vibrant and diverse community. The evening before, many of our students also took to the stage at the annual St Clare’s College OnStage event, featuring performances from the Senior Music class, School Captains, String Orchestra, and the Combined Colleges’ Band. Neither of these memorable events would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of Mrs Leanne Thomas, whose tireless support and encouragement empowered our students to shine.
ACT UP! involved 35 Drama students across 9-12 performing at the Canberra Theatre. Each group self-devised with a focus on specific theatre styles. It is wonderful to see the Drama program flourishing with more boys involved each year. A very big thank you to Mr Hekimian for supporting the boys and providing this opportunity for them to perform.
The Gospel Choir were invited to the Great Hall of Parliament House for the ‘1000 Voices for Reconciliation’ performance. Attended by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, Governor General of Australia, the boys sung two moving pieces honouring truth-telling, remembrance and unity. The Gospel Choir travels to Sydney this Friday to the Sydney Opera House to experience one of the best Pasifika Choirs, Signature Choir, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Over the June long weekend, 18 musicians (staff, parents and students) performed at the Merimbula Jazz Festival, in the newly formed McMillian Street Big Band. This bourgeoning ensemble continues to develop our advanced students within the Jazz genre. The band hopes to be selected to perform at the Manly Jazz Festival in September. Watch this space!
StageCraft, a pilot program partnership between St Edmund’s College, Mill Theatre Dairy Road, and Elite Event Technology, was a resounding success. Students developed skills in live production, audio, and lighting, and were outstanding representatives of our school in a professional work experience setting. The opportunity has allowed for industry connection with the hope of employment for our senior students and aims to address the national skills shortage.
We look forward to celebrating our Visual Arts students on 23 June at their Art Exhibition. Mr Fatupaito continues to provide exceptional opportunities for our boys to develop in Visual Arts, including worthwhile fortnightly excursions and mentoring our students in multiple mediums.
The 2026 Musical is GREASE! School Edition. Audition packs will be available to students in Week 5 of Term 3.
As we look towards subject selection for the coming year, I encourage all St Edmund’s College families to thoughtfully consider the benefits of choosing Creative and Performing Arts as part of their son’s academic journey. Each week we offer private instrument music tuition to over 80 students spanning every instrument. Subjects such as Media, Visual Arts, Music, and Drama play a vital role in developing self-efficacy, confidence, and collaboration in our boys. In a rapidly evolving world, where the demand for creative, adaptive thinkers continues to grow, these disciplines equip students with essential 21st-century skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Academic research supports involvement to improve wellbeing, connection and community. Please join us as we continue to provide opportunities for enrichment and for growth.
Rachel Rasmussen
Head of Creative & Performing Arts