Principal
At the beginning of the school year I indicated to the community in various forums that we would be reviewing performing arts at Nudgee College during 2019. As this review took shape during Semester 1 the scope of the review was more narrowly defined. In effect, the purpose of the review was to evaluate the effectiveness of the current leadership and organisational structures in performing arts in both the academic and co-curricular spheres.
During Term 2 the external review of performing arts (academic and co-curricular) was led by Ms Alison Terrey and Mr Mark Sullivan. Alison is a former Principal of Mt St Michael’s College and has completed previous projects for the College. Mark is a music consultant who was previously the Head of Instrumental Music at Brisbane Girls Grammar School.
The final report of the review was completed earlier this term and has now been tabled with the College Leadership Team and the College Board. The panel interviewed key staff, parents and students in the course of the review. They also considered various pieces of school data, external research, as well as attending classrooms, rehearsals and the College Musical.
The final report contains numerous commendations of what has been achieved in performing arts as well as recommendations for restructuring the College’s model of leadership. These recommendations have been fully considered and a road map for the future of performing arts at the College has been formulated. This road map envisages further strategic changes to the organisation of performing arts in the future.
As a first step on this roadmap of reform, the College is advertising for a Director of Performing Arts. This will be a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) position and will be the equivalent of the Director of Activities position, currently held by Mr Anthony Connellan. Anthony’s role will change and will be largely focused on sport, but will also include activities such as the Cattle Club. This new role will reflect the priority that performing arts will hold at the College and the new Director will have significant responsibility across areas such as Music, Debating, Chess and Drama.
During this process there have been discussions with performing arts staff. It is opportune to acknowledge the good work of Mr Brett Foster, Ms Alison Kilgour and numerous other teachers and Music Tutors who continue to work hard with our students in creative pursuits.
I am hopeful that the change outlined here, as well as others in the future, will fulfil the ultimate intent of the review, which is to ensure that we have a leadership structure that supports our students to develop their talents to the fullest and realise their creative potential. This is a strategic priority for the College since we nurture the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of all students through a diverse range of opportunities, including performing arts. I am confident that these changes will further enliven this creative aspect of life school.
In keeping with this creative and cultural theme I highlight for you the fast-approaching highlight of the Nudgee College calendar – the annual Dimensions Arts Festival from 6 to 8 September. Dimensions is a celebration of the creative and performing arts at the College, with the Opening Night Gala on Friday 6 September. This is always a sell-out event and I invite you to experience this wonderful evening of art, music, fine food, wine and entertainment, including guest speaker Mr Adam Frew of Yarrie Yarns. Tickets are $65 per person and on sale here. The festival will also be open on Saturday for the home game against Brisbane Boys’ College, as well as on Sunday for a new picnic-style event Dimensions on the Green.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
