THE HEAD OF SCHOOL'S ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - St Hildas School

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PERFORMING ARTS The completion of stages 1 and 2 of the Assembly Hall renovation made 2009 a significant year for the Performing Arts faculty. The hall underwent major refurbishment with the extension of the stage which also enabled additional storage, construction of a bio box, installation of new curtaining and lighting and sound equipment. This project was achieved through the active fundraising of the school community as well as through the successful application for grants from the Federal Government and the Queensland Community Gambling Benefit Fund. Students continued the tradition of excellence in performance actors in the curricula and cocurricular Drama programs. Highlights: • First cohort of senior students to complete the new Queensland Studies Authority Senior Drama syllabus • New Middle School Drama program was implemented • Year 12 Drama class presented Margery Forde’s Snapshots from Home, donating funds raised to the Southport RSL • Year 11 Drama class presented their original devised production of Alice in Modernland. The production showcased the creative talents of the students as they embraced contemporary performance techniques. The production also created links with Hospitality Studies • Senior School Production, Beach by Timothy Daly, directed by Mrs Belinda Gravel, entertained audiences with its exploration of Australian life; challenging the Year 10 and 11 students in its performance style and production roles • Middle School Production, Fairytale High by Marlene F Magee was directed by Sally-Anne Nind. This hilarious parody of high school life through the subversion of well-known characters delighted audiences. Middle School girls embraced onstage roles and backstage roles with enthusiasm and passion • Year 8 girls attended a workshop with Indigenous Infusion where they learnt about Australian indigenous culture and storytelling • Students attended various excursions to see live theatre. Attending live theatre continues to be a valuable and essential component to the Middle and Senior Drama programs • Extra-Speech and Drama students continue to excel with excellent results in the Trinity Guildhall Exams under the tutelage of Ms Kylie Skelton and Mrs Marilyn Martin • Two Twilight Concerts were held for Extra Speech and Drama students to gain opportunities to practice performance skills Initiatives and planned activities for 2010 • Produce a Middle and Senior School Musical • Artist in residence initiative • Continue fundraising and lobbying efforts to see the completion of the Assembly Hall project with the completion of stages 3 and 4 being the refurbishment of the dressing and store rooms and air-conditioning. Mrs Belinda Gravel Head of Faculty 38
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION In the midst of the frightening pace of contemporary life coupled with the uncertainty which emanates from this post-modernist age, Religious Education remains more relevant than ever. The challenge for those who teach Religious Education is to sensitively present a Christian perspective while remaining respectful of the plurality of alternatives demanding the allegiance of young people today and the broad cultural heritage of the students. Ideally, Religious Education classes are somewhat different from those in the formal academic program and allow the students the space to consider issues that go to the core of the human situation. Hopefully, the life and teaching of Jesus continues to inspire the young people who have the opportunity to consider his claims in the classroom as well as in the Chapel services. The syllabus in Religious Education is under constant review to ensure that it remains true to the basics while offering ample opportunity for the students to engage with material which is of interest to them and relevant to their lives. Accordingly, the younger students spend more time on their identity as children of God and The Gospel teachings, whereas the more senior students spend far more time on Christian apologetics, decision-making from a Christian perspective, comparisons with other religions and ultimate questions of life. An impressive aspect of the Religious Education program was the willingness of the various classes to organise and run Chapel services; the significant time and effort that some groups put into this aspect of the course was reflective of the preparedness of many of the girls to embrace the School’s Christian heritage and share their developing faith with their peers and teachers; in particular, the Easter service presented by the Year 9 students was a highlight in this area. All the Year 8 students travelled to Brisbane to visit St John’s Cathedral and Old Bishopsbourne at St Francis College during the last week of Term 3. The students enjoyed the day and the opportunity for quiet, personal reflection; such opportunities are all too rare these days and one aim in 2010 is to develop additional time for quiet contemplation within the Religious Education program. The teachers of Religious Education tend to regard it as a privilege to work in this discipline. The subject has its own particular demands; however, it is often remarkably rewarding to engage with students in this domain and to join with them in the exploration of matters of Christian faith and the big questions associated with the human condition. Mr Richard Larsen Head of Faculty 39
Page 1 and 2: THE HEAD OF SCHOOL’S ANNUAL REPOR
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS School Mission ...........
Page 5 and 6: flag for sporting events. In essenc
Page 7 and 8: common features of our professional
Page 9 and 10: BOARDING SCHOOL Living in St Hilda
Page 11 and 12: POSITIONING ST HILDA’S AS A LEADI
Page 13 and 14: • Head of School Mr Peter Crawley
Page 15 and 16: 2009 NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM RE
Page 17 and 18: ATHENA FELLOWSHIP - GIRLS’ EDUCAT
Page 19 and 20: ATHENA FELLOWSHIP: ED-MEDIA In the
Page 21 and 22: JUNIOR SCHOOL Education for life is
Page 23 and 24: MIDDLE SCHOOL Like the pieces of a
Page 25 and 26: the Year 9 House Leaders were fun t
Page 27 and 28: The success of the 40-Hour Techno-F
Page 29 and 30: classroom. These devices have playe
Page 31 and 32: DESIGN The subjects of Design Futur
Page 33 and 34: During 2009, students from Years 8
Page 35 and 36: HUMANITIES The Humanities faculty p
Page 37 and 38: LEARNING ENHANCEMENT Assistance giv
Page 39: MUSIC Junior, Middle and Senior Sch
Page 43 and 44: VISUAL ART This year was a time of
Page 45 and 46: The Touch competition, held in Toow
Page 47 and 48: Hockey, Netball and Volleyball Wint
Page 49 and 50: Reunion Weekend Mothers of St Hilda
Page 51 and 52: Y11 Morgan Heynes - Country Music -
Page 53 and 54: Sarah Jones, Chrystal Lui, Frances
Page 55 and 56: Y7 Brittani Pickering National Age
Page 57 and 58: BOARDING Health Centre Coordinators
Page 60: NON NOBIS SOLUM Not for ourselves a

THE HEAD OF SCHOOL'S ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - St Hildas School

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