Love Learning

All That Jazz!

A sensory, sparkling musical show with zero ‘school concert’ vibes.

NBCS Director of Music, Claire Rowsell, says parents and community members were wowed by this year’s music showcase event, All That Jazz!.

“Last year we did a musical theatre evening that was a huge success. This year, we created a show, rather than a ‘school concert’, featuring jazz in many different forms.”

The idea was sparked when Ms Rowsell visited a New York jazz club as part of the school’s United Nations International School trip. She transformed the MPC venue into a jazz club vibe, with risers and catwalks, lighting and costumes, and performances happening where they were least expected.

Why jazz? “Every year I want to do something different,” she says. “It opens students up to new genres and extends their musicianship. Some students this year didn’t really know what jazz was, or that there are different types of jazz.”

Students worked hard to prepare. “We had performances from Year 12s, right down to Year 7s and 8s,” says Ms Rowsell. “The older ones led, but the younger ones rose to expectations, and they had to work hard for their place. My goal is that every student involved achieves the highest level that they can achieve, and I’m happy to say that they did.”

The program included a range of different jazz styles by soloists, the band, and ensembles. “All the performances were so different,” says Ms Rowsell. “If I had to pick a favourite, it would be the amazing version of Nothing Compares To You, with an insane guitar solo – and the jazz version of Wannabe by the Spice Girls.”

Student Parliament goes gaga

Students work together to secure a ‘Gaga Ball’ pit.

Our newly constructed Gaga Ball pit was officially opened during a Primary ‘parliamentary sitting’ this term. The opening was attended by student ‘members of parliament’ and staff including Mr Watson and Mrs Smith.

The democratic process is explicitly taught through our elected student government and weekly parliament sessions – and this year, the students drafted and passed a bill requesting a Gaga Ball pit.

“We first saw Gaga Ball being played at a CRU camp a few years ago,” says Primary school captain, Elliot. Co-captain Ella adds: “We discussed the idea as a fundraising option for several years. It took a while to happen, but we got it in the end.”

Gaga Ball is a fast-paced blend of handball and dodge ball, with the hexagonal pit keeping the ball constantly in play.

“It’s really fun to play,” says Elliot. “When each year has its turn, practically everyone is there. It’s a popular space to be.”

With scissors in hand, Mr Watson and our young MPs cut the ribbon and launched the first games, celebrating not just a new playground addition, but the power of student voice.

Building character

Camp and carnivals in the rain aren’t ideal but they build resilience and create memories.

Rain, mud and freezing temperatures were unwelcome guests on many of the Secondary camp programs during Student Opportunity Week, which took place in Term 2. Just a few weeks later, Primary students battled the elements when their already-postponed athletics carnival finally took place – on the coldest day of the year so far.

While it’s understandable that students (and teachers!) might feel tempted to stay warm and dry at home on days like these, getting through the challenge helps build resilience.

“Sometimes you don’t anticipate where you might find joy,” explains Head of Wellbeing, Phillipa Reeves. “What might seem a hardship actually can help to foster relationships and experiences and memories. The positives might be found in the conversations that you have, or a sense of camaraderie and collective experience. Those kinds of moments can be quite defining.”

When students have persisted and been successful Ms Reeves says they have a greater sense of achievement and wellbeing. “Happiness is a by-product that comes when we develop the essential skills of resilience, self regulation, resourcefulness, respect and responsibility. To have any success, we need to be able to persevere and not give up.”

Of course, at NBCS we understand that there are levels of challenge. “It’s important for parents to know that if weather conditions are dangerous, or if activities can’t run, we have processes in order to ensure that students stay safe,” she says. “But if we take away all adversity, we don’t develop the grit to go out into the world and be confident to face whatever challenge will come at us.”

Real-life skills at school

Secondary students are keen beans with a new barista course after school

A barista course for students in Years 10 to 12 that started in Term 2 is our newest co-curricular offering. Not only is it fun and hands-on, but students get to enjoy their own coffee or hot chocolate creations. The course also provides official certification to kick-start careers in hospitality. Numbers have been overflowing, even with extra sessions being offered. The demand means barista training will return in Term 3.