The Arts (Return to Newsletter Home)
Term One Week Six
Grades 3 - 6 Choir News
This year children who have elected to be part of the Grades 3 - 6 choir have been meeting on Tuesday afternoons. The first few weeks has served as a 'trial' period and I will now send home a more formal permission form via PAM to those children who have been attending. I ask that children stick with their decision to be part of the group for the remainder of the year, as children coming and going while preparing for events can be challenging.
This week we voted on our choir leadership team. This year choir captains will be Isabella Mc, Finn H, Alex B and Ella R.
They will be presented at school assembly this Friday 6th March.
Our first event is the Junior Choirs Festival which is held at Wendouree Performing Arts Centre on 29th May (1-6pm).
This is a great opportunity for the children to meet with other primary choirs from around Ballarat. The day is made up of a series of workshops and a seminar run by renowned conductor Dan Walker. At the end of the afternoon families are invited to attend a free concert, where each choir will sing one song by themselves and a 'massed' choir piece with all choirs together.
Grades 3 - 4 Recorder
The children have started learning recorder and each child should have brought home their 'Home Booklet' last week. This can stay at home. They have started the 'Karate Belt' system, where they can earn different coloured belts according to skills demonstrated. Levels are outlined on the last page of the home booklets. Please encourage your children to practise a little each day. This makes a big difference to improving their music literacy skills. It has been great to see the enthusiasm of many budding musicians.
If you have any queries regarding choir or recorders please contact Ruth Hackwill rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
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This year children who have elected to be part of the Grades 3 - 6 choir have been meeting on Tuesday afternoons. The first few weeks has served as a 'trial' period and I will now send home a more formal permission form via PAM to those children who have been attending. I ask that children stick with their decision to be part of the group for the remainder of the year, as children coming and going while preparing for events can be challenging.
This week we voted on our choir leadership team. This year choir captains will be Isabella Mc, Finn H, Alex B and Ella R.
They will be presented at school assembly this Friday 6th March.
Our first event is the Junior Choirs Festival which is held at Wendouree Performing Arts Centre on 29th May (1-6pm).
This is a great opportunity for the children to meet with other primary choirs from around Ballarat. The day is made up of a series of workshops and a seminar run by renowned conductor Dan Walker. At the end of the afternoon families are invited to attend a free concert, where each choir will sing one song by themselves and a 'massed' choir piece with all choirs together.
Grades 3 - 4 Recorder
The children have started learning recorder and each child should have brought home their 'Home Booklet' last week. This can stay at home. They have started the 'Karate Belt' system, where they can earn different coloured belts according to skills demonstrated. Levels are outlined on the last page of the home booklets. Please encourage your children to practise a little each day. This makes a big difference to improving their music literacy skills. It has been great to see the enthusiasm of many budding musicians.
If you have any queries regarding choir or recorders please contact Ruth Hackwill rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
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Term One Week Two
Grade 3/4 Recorders
As part of their learning in Music the children are learning to read music and play the recorder. We hope to begin next week. The bulk order of recorders has arrived. If you ordered a recorder last year, it will be labelled and given to your child in class next week. If your child is supplying their own instrument please ensure they bring them along to school. I suggest keeping recorders in school bags so that they are never forgotten in the morning rush.
A booklet will be given out which is to be kept at home. Please encourage your child to do some practice throughout the week. For your child to make the most progress short and frequent sessions are recommended. More information is provided in the booklet.
As part of their learning in Music the children are learning to read music and play the recorder. We hope to begin next week. The bulk order of recorders has arrived. If you ordered a recorder last year, it will be labelled and given to your child in class next week. If your child is supplying their own instrument please ensure they bring them along to school. I suggest keeping recorders in school bags so that they are never forgotten in the morning rush.
A booklet will be given out which is to be kept at home. Please encourage your child to do some practice throughout the week. For your child to make the most progress short and frequent sessions are recommended. More information is provided in the booklet.
Grade 3 - 6 Choir
Next week the Grades 3 - 6 Choir will begin on Tuesday afternoons, after lunch. As in past years, the first few weeks serve as a trial period for children to see if the choir is something they'd like to be involved in throughout the year. After this trial period, the children are asked to commit to the group for the year. Parent support in this would be appreciated, as children need to attend rehearsal sessions regularly. Choir is open for any children who love to sing in a group setting. This year the main choir events will be; Grammar Junior Choirs Festival, Royal South Street Choral Competition, our school concert and Nazareth House. More information will be forwarded closer to these events. If you have any queries about the choir, please feel free to contact me rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
Next week the Grades 3 - 6 Choir will begin on Tuesday afternoons, after lunch. As in past years, the first few weeks serve as a trial period for children to see if the choir is something they'd like to be involved in throughout the year. After this trial period, the children are asked to commit to the group for the year. Parent support in this would be appreciated, as children need to attend rehearsal sessions regularly. Choir is open for any children who love to sing in a group setting. This year the main choir events will be; Grammar Junior Choirs Festival, Royal South Street Choral Competition, our school concert and Nazareth House. More information will be forwarded closer to these events. If you have any queries about the choir, please feel free to contact me rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
School Concert - Her Majesty's Theatre
On Thursday 6th August we will hold a whole-school concert at Her Majesty's Theatre. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the children to perform and gain some theatre experience. We will begin planning for this event within the next few weeks. If you have some expertise in theatre, particularly in choreography/dance/costuming and are able to help a class prepare their performance, please contact me as soon as possible. Your skills and assistance would be much appreciated. Exciting times ahead!
On Thursday 6th August we will hold a whole-school concert at Her Majesty's Theatre. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the children to perform and gain some theatre experience. We will begin planning for this event within the next few weeks. If you have some expertise in theatre, particularly in choreography/dance/costuming and are able to help a class prepare their performance, please contact me as soon as possible. Your skills and assistance would be much appreciated. Exciting times ahead!
Term Four Week Ten
Visual Arts
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Centacare Art Competition this year! The theme was Diversity and students were encouraged to illustrate what diversity means to them.
The gallery presentation at Centacare was absolutely incredible, with students participating from several schools around Ballarat.
Out of so many talented entries, St. Columba’s celebrated three placings;
Sophie G, 2nd place
Ellie W, 1st place
Danica B, 2nd place
Phoebe B received an honourable mention.
Amazing job everyone!
Our thanks go to the team at Centacare for the opportunity for our students to participate. Even if they chose not to enter the competition, the discussions that arose from the theme of Diversity have been wonderful.
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Centacare Art Competition this year! The theme was Diversity and students were encouraged to illustrate what diversity means to them.
The gallery presentation at Centacare was absolutely incredible, with students participating from several schools around Ballarat.
Out of so many talented entries, St. Columba’s celebrated three placings;
Sophie G, 2nd place
Ellie W, 1st place
Danica B, 2nd place
Phoebe B received an honourable mention.
Amazing job everyone!
Our thanks go to the team at Centacare for the opportunity for our students to participate. Even if they chose not to enter the competition, the discussions that arose from the theme of Diversity have been wonderful.
Performing Arts
Dear 2020 Grade 3/4 Community Parents/Guardians,
This Friday is the final day to pay for a recorder if you require one for your child. Please place $10 in an envelope with your childs name on it and give it to the office. No orders can be taken after Friday the 13th December. If you don't require a recorder could you please advise the office so they can tick you off the list.
For ease of management names will engraved on each instrument. Feel free to contact me if you have any further queries.
Ruth Hackwill
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Dear 2020 Grade 3/4 Community Parents/Guardians,
This Friday is the final day to pay for a recorder if you require one for your child. Please place $10 in an envelope with your childs name on it and give it to the office. No orders can be taken after Friday the 13th December. If you don't require a recorder could you please advise the office so they can tick you off the list.
For ease of management names will engraved on each instrument. Feel free to contact me if you have any further queries.
Ruth Hackwill
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Term Four Week Six
Choir Excursion to Nazareth House
On Tuesday 10th December the choir will be going to Nazareth House to sing carols with the residents. The bus will leave at 1.30pm and return at approximately 2.30pm. Permission via PAM will be sent out soon for choir members. If any parents/guardians are able to come along to this event please contact Ruth as we will need some help with supervision. rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
Music Count Us In 2019
On Wednesday 6th November the school met together in the hall to sing the song 'We Are' , as part of the 'Music Count Us In 2019'. This initiative started 14 years ago and promotes the importance of singing and music education in schools. The song this year was written by John Foreman, Jack River and four other teenage composers. There are a growing number of schools registering with this initiative and this year involved approximately 800,000 children and 3,400 schools.
Ringwood Secondary Band/Concert Tour Tuesday Oct 29th
On Tuesday Oct. 29th the whole school was entertained by a concert by Ringwood Secondary College from Melbourne. The concert involved up to 150 students from yrs 7 - 10. They performed in a range of ensembles, including choirs, a concert band, full orchestra and dance. We were amazed by the professional level of the performances and really enjoyed the concert. There were lots of opportunities to sing along and participate out the front with dancing and conducting. Students also learnt about the different families of instruments. They saw each instrument up close and heard each played well with a catchy tune. We hope they include us in their tour in the future.
Glee Club performing at Assembly
Dear family members and supporters of the St Columba’s Glee Club,
We invite you to the assembly on Friday 6th December at the slightly earlier time of 2.30pm to watch the Glee Club perform a favourite song from Disney’s ‘Lion King!’
Glee Club is our school’s singing and dancing group that has been running on Wednesdays during second break for the last two terms. We welcome all children from Foundation to Grade Two. It’s not too late to join!
Please see Caity or Kelly Stevens for any further information.
On Tuesday 10th December the choir will be going to Nazareth House to sing carols with the residents. The bus will leave at 1.30pm and return at approximately 2.30pm. Permission via PAM will be sent out soon for choir members. If any parents/guardians are able to come along to this event please contact Ruth as we will need some help with supervision. rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
Music Count Us In 2019
On Wednesday 6th November the school met together in the hall to sing the song 'We Are' , as part of the 'Music Count Us In 2019'. This initiative started 14 years ago and promotes the importance of singing and music education in schools. The song this year was written by John Foreman, Jack River and four other teenage composers. There are a growing number of schools registering with this initiative and this year involved approximately 800,000 children and 3,400 schools.
Ringwood Secondary Band/Concert Tour Tuesday Oct 29th
On Tuesday Oct. 29th the whole school was entertained by a concert by Ringwood Secondary College from Melbourne. The concert involved up to 150 students from yrs 7 - 10. They performed in a range of ensembles, including choirs, a concert band, full orchestra and dance. We were amazed by the professional level of the performances and really enjoyed the concert. There were lots of opportunities to sing along and participate out the front with dancing and conducting. Students also learnt about the different families of instruments. They saw each instrument up close and heard each played well with a catchy tune. We hope they include us in their tour in the future.
Glee Club performing at Assembly
Dear family members and supporters of the St Columba’s Glee Club,
We invite you to the assembly on Friday 6th December at the slightly earlier time of 2.30pm to watch the Glee Club perform a favourite song from Disney’s ‘Lion King!’
Glee Club is our school’s singing and dancing group that has been running on Wednesdays during second break for the last two terms. We welcome all children from Foundation to Grade Two. It’s not too late to join!
Please see Caity or Kelly Stevens for any further information.
Term Three Week Eight
Choir News
Royal South Street
On Monday the 26th of August, St Columba’s grades 3 to 6 choir went to South Street. We were all really excited and a tiny bit nervous. We were the 4th to perform and there were nine primary schools in our section. We sang two songs, one was ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ by Lily Allen and the other one was ‘Uma Familia’ by Jay Althouse. There were 55 out of our usual 65 choir members who sang and we only just fit on the stands.
We would like to thank all the teachers and parents who came along on the bus and excursion to keep everyone in line including Mrs Thorpe, Kellie Stevens, Lisa Kennedy and Jo Burnett. We also thank Lauren Knight, who accompanied us on the piano and Ruth Hackwill for conducting and helping us with everything. Finally we want to thank everyone who came to support us by watching in the audience. Out of the nine schools, we came 3rd. We would like to congratulate all of the students for their hard work in staying focussed and doing their best.
By Bella H and Lilliana A (Choir captains)
Royal South Street
On Monday the 26th of August, St Columba’s grades 3 to 6 choir went to South Street. We were all really excited and a tiny bit nervous. We were the 4th to perform and there were nine primary schools in our section. We sang two songs, one was ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ by Lily Allen and the other one was ‘Uma Familia’ by Jay Althouse. There were 55 out of our usual 65 choir members who sang and we only just fit on the stands.
We would like to thank all the teachers and parents who came along on the bus and excursion to keep everyone in line including Mrs Thorpe, Kellie Stevens, Lisa Kennedy and Jo Burnett. We also thank Lauren Knight, who accompanied us on the piano and Ruth Hackwill for conducting and helping us with everything. Finally we want to thank everyone who came to support us by watching in the audience. Out of the nine schools, we came 3rd. We would like to congratulate all of the students for their hard work in staying focussed and doing their best.
By Bella H and Lilliana A (Choir captains)
Term Three Week Two
Choir News
Royal South Street
On Monday 26th August the choir children will represent St. Columba's at the Royal South Street competitions. Due to renovations at Her Majesty's Theatre, the competition will be held at Ballarat University 'Founders Hall' as it was last year.
Children will need to be dressed in their full winter uniform, including woollen jumper (no sports uniforms please). The children should bring an extra snack to eat/drink before getting on the bus at approximately 2.45pm. If possible choir children are asked to send their school bags home with siblings this day, to reduce congestion in small dressing rooms.
The Section we have entered is 805.1 Primary Schools Choral Contest. The Section begins at approximately 3.15pm and will run until approximately 4.30/5pm. Children will travel by bus to the event and will need to be picked up by parents/guardians from Founders Hall at the end of the competition.
Currently there are nine other choirs in our Section and we are unsure of the order of schools at this point. Sometimes schools pull out or previous Sections run over-time so these times are approximations. If need be parents can ring the Royal South Street office on the day to check the scheduled Sections are running to time (03 5309 1200). Tickets to view the competition are available at the door of the theatre.
If you have a current Working With Children Card and are able to help with supervision please contact Ruth rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
We hope there are a lot of people able to come along and support the children in the audience. It should be a great afternoon. We hope to see you there.
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Royal South Street
On Monday 26th August the choir children will represent St. Columba's at the Royal South Street competitions. Due to renovations at Her Majesty's Theatre, the competition will be held at Ballarat University 'Founders Hall' as it was last year.
Children will need to be dressed in their full winter uniform, including woollen jumper (no sports uniforms please). The children should bring an extra snack to eat/drink before getting on the bus at approximately 2.45pm. If possible choir children are asked to send their school bags home with siblings this day, to reduce congestion in small dressing rooms.
The Section we have entered is 805.1 Primary Schools Choral Contest. The Section begins at approximately 3.15pm and will run until approximately 4.30/5pm. Children will travel by bus to the event and will need to be picked up by parents/guardians from Founders Hall at the end of the competition.
Currently there are nine other choirs in our Section and we are unsure of the order of schools at this point. Sometimes schools pull out or previous Sections run over-time so these times are approximations. If need be parents can ring the Royal South Street office on the day to check the scheduled Sections are running to time (03 5309 1200). Tickets to view the competition are available at the door of the theatre.
If you have a current Working With Children Card and are able to help with supervision please contact Ruth rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
We hope there are a lot of people able to come along and support the children in the audience. It should be a great afternoon. We hope to see you there.
(Return to Newsletter Home)
Term One Week Six
Junior Choirs Festival Report
On Friday 31st May the St. Columba's choir went to a workshop afternoon at the Wendouree Performing Arts Centre. Ballarat Grammar hosted the event and there were eight other schools that came with their choirs. The workshop was led by Mark O'Leary (a famous Australian choral composer for children). He taught us how to sing Shalom and Sen-seree. At the end of the afternoon there was a concert for our family and friends. Our choir sang Autumn Leaves because it was the last day of Autumn. We got to introduce our item because we are the choir captains. Ruth conducted us. Then all of the children went on stage and sang two songs together.
We would like to thank Lauren Knight for being our accompanist. We would also like to thank Clare Duffy, Kim Taylor and Kristy Pitt for coming along to help supervise us and keep an eye on everyone. It was a fun day.
By Bella H and Lilliana (Choir captains)
On Friday 31st May the St. Columba's choir went to a workshop afternoon at the Wendouree Performing Arts Centre. Ballarat Grammar hosted the event and there were eight other schools that came with their choirs. The workshop was led by Mark O'Leary (a famous Australian choral composer for children). He taught us how to sing Shalom and Sen-seree. At the end of the afternoon there was a concert for our family and friends. Our choir sang Autumn Leaves because it was the last day of Autumn. We got to introduce our item because we are the choir captains. Ruth conducted us. Then all of the children went on stage and sang two songs together.
We would like to thank Lauren Knight for being our accompanist. We would also like to thank Clare Duffy, Kim Taylor and Kristy Pitt for coming along to help supervise us and keep an eye on everyone. It was a fun day.
By Bella H and Lilliana (Choir captains)
Term One Week Six
Choir News
The Choir children will have the opportunity to participate in the Junior Choirs Festival at Ballarat Grammar next Term. This year Mark O'Leary, who is a famous Australian composer of junior choir music, will take workshops with choirs. The day would involve the choir children from 12pm - 7pm on Friday, 31st May.
Further details and permission via PAm will be forwarded next Term.
(Return to Newsletter Home)
The Choir children will have the opportunity to participate in the Junior Choirs Festival at Ballarat Grammar next Term. This year Mark O'Leary, who is a famous Australian composer of junior choir music, will take workshops with choirs. The day would involve the choir children from 12pm - 7pm on Friday, 31st May.
Further details and permission via PAm will be forwarded next Term.
(Return to Newsletter Home)
Term One Week Four
Choir 2019
Children who have shown an interest in joining the St Columba's Choir have been coming along to choir sessions on Tuesday afternoons from 2.35 - 3.15pm. Choir is open to any students from Grades 3 - 6 who love to sing. Emphasis is on fun, participation and development of basic music literacy skills. The choir children will have several opportunities to perform and attend workshops/competitions throughout the year. Most events will be in school hours but sometimes attendance on weekends may be requested. More details and dates will follow early next term. There are no choir events during Term One.
It has been wonderful to see so many students coming along during the first few 'trial' sessions. Students who would like to continue will be asked to commit their time to the group for the remainder of the year. I encourage the children to stick with their decision and parental support in this would be greatly appreciated. A permission form to join the choir will be forwarded to interested students within the next two weeks via PAM.
This week the group listened to six excellent speeches and voted on four positions of leadership. We congratulate Bella H and Lilliana A who were elected Choir Captains and Isabella W and Tess T who were elected Vice Captains. These girls will be presented with their badges at the next school assembly.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries regarding the choir this year rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
Ruth Hackwill
Choir 2019
Children who have shown an interest in joining the St Columba's Choir have been coming along to choir sessions on Tuesday afternoons from 2.35 - 3.15pm. Choir is open to any students from Grades 3 - 6 who love to sing. Emphasis is on fun, participation and development of basic music literacy skills. The choir children will have several opportunities to perform and attend workshops/competitions throughout the year. Most events will be in school hours but sometimes attendance on weekends may be requested. More details and dates will follow early next term. There are no choir events during Term One.
It has been wonderful to see so many students coming along during the first few 'trial' sessions. Students who would like to continue will be asked to commit their time to the group for the remainder of the year. I encourage the children to stick with their decision and parental support in this would be greatly appreciated. A permission form to join the choir will be forwarded to interested students within the next two weeks via PAM.
This week the group listened to six excellent speeches and voted on four positions of leadership. We congratulate Bella H and Lilliana A who were elected Choir Captains and Isabella W and Tess T who were elected Vice Captains. These girls will be presented with their badges at the next school assembly.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries regarding the choir this year rhackwill@scballarat.catholic.edu.au
Ruth Hackwill
