School Musical

Wrap-Up of Our School SJM Musical Auditions!

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our school musical auditions! Over the past two weeks, our students participated in two separate blocks of auditions, enthusiastically showcasing their talent and dedication.

During the audition process, students worked through dialogue, character development, and direction-taking. It was truly inspiring to see their creativity and commitment come to life on stage. Each student brought something unique to their audition, making our job both exciting and challenging.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all 95 students who bravely faced their fears and auditioned. Your courage and passion for performing are truly commendable and we were blown away with the level of talent we saw. We are immensely proud of each and every one of you for stepping up and giving it your best shot.

After the initial round of auditions, we wanted to see what else some students could do and had 42 involved in our callback phase. During callbacks, students were given different portions of the script to make their own. We were looking for confident students who brought their characters to life and made the audition space their own. Throughout the callbacks, we focused on skills such as projection, improvisation, direction-taking, along with vocal and physical acting skills.

We would like to congratulate our successful students on receiving a lead role in our 2024 SJM Musical Production.

‘Tree Tales’ 19th September 2024
The Factory Theatre Adamstown
Tickets on sale early Term Three

- SJM Musical Production Team -

Virtual Academy

Our Virtual Academy students continue to impress with their creativity, dedication, and passion for their respective projects. In the recent "Discovery," "Agency," and "Perspective" units, students stood out with their exceptional presentations and exhibitions. Here's a highlight of their remarkable work:

Discovery Unit Highlights

In the Discovery unit, students engage in an investigation of interpersonal connections to delve into the realm of self-discovery, express gratitude for the transformative nature of learning, and foster a deep sense of belonging. The unit entails a variety of activities that require students to utilize and reflect on their learning strengths, interests, skills, passions, and curiosity. Students are equipped with essential competencies and strategic approaches to effectively acquire knowledge within the online learning environment. They operate in a collaborative and independent manner, practicing initiative and proficient communication in various formats.

Evan's Exploration of Einstein's Theory

Evan's presentation, titled "I Want to Study Albert Einstein's Theory of E=mc²," was a deep dive into one of the most famous equations in physics. Evan passionately explored how to experimentally demonstrate and prove Einstein's theory through physical, scientific, and digital methods.

Digby's Artistic Journey

Digby's project, "How Can I Become a Better Artist and Be an Artist That Can Be Featured in Manga?" highlighted his dedication to improving his art skills. Digby shared his practice routines and the importance of using better supplies, such as a mechanical pencil and a proper sketchbook, to enhance his work.

Ava's Fight Against Global Warming

Ava's presentation, "My Dream to Stop Global Warming," was a passionate call to action against climate change. She articulated the severe impacts of global warming and her vision for a greener world. Ava's solution of selling scarves to raise money for environmental organisations was both creative and impactful.

Agency Unit Highlights

In the Agency unit, students inquire into the nature of the self; beliefs, and values; personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; and what it means to be human. They study a range of subjects, individuals, and texts and respond critically and creatively by applying independent thought, choice, and action. Through the cultivation of their own sense of self, students problem-solve, apply thought leadership, and experiment with their own compositions through form, style, and media.

Amelie's Seasons of Friendship

Amelie's exhibition, "The Seasons of Friendship," was a beautiful portrayal of how friendships change over time. Her painting, divided into four sections representing each season, illustrated the different stages of friendships through various elements. At her exhibit, Amelie also presented a PowerPoint and a video on maintaining strong friendships.

Perspective Unit: Exploring Global Narratives

In this semester's Perspective unit, Virtual Academy students embarked on an enlightening journey into the intricate interplay between cultural and historical narratives. Through critical analysis and introspection, students challenged their own perspectives and confronted preconceived notions across nine key global issues.

Joe represented South Africa at the mock G20 Summit, engaging in a spirited debate on achieving net zero emissions by 2030. He eloquently argued about the economic implications and social challenges of such ambitious environmental goals, showcasing a nuanced understanding of global climate dynamics.

Rory, embodying Canada's perspective, passionately advocated for global health through vaccination programs. His focus on malaria eradication and sustainable healthcare solutions highlighted Canada's commitment to global health equity.

Gabe, speaking for the USA pairing with Rory, representing Canada, provided a compelling voice against the mandate for every country to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. His arguments centered on economic impacts and feasibility concerns, emphasising pragmatic approaches to environmental policy.

Jack, representing China, offered insights into the complexities of transitioning to renewable energy. He discussed China's contributions to global renewable energy production and underscored challenges in achieving net zero emissions amidst economic and technological realities.

Xavier and Ottavio, partnering for Japan, presented a visionary approach to global healthcare solutions. They proposed using grants to foster sustainable healthcare innovations that empower communities, emphasising Japan's role in pioneering research for global health challenges.

These students exemplify the dedication and creativity fostered at the Virtual Academy, where they not only explore global perspectives but also make meaningful contributions to their fields of interest. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and achievements in the future.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from our talented Virtual Academy students!

Bek Henshaw

Gifted Education Project Officer