Arts News Term 2, Week 6

The Transformative Power of the Arts
Kurt Vonnegut, American Author, wrote in a letter to some high school students….

“Practice any art music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpture, poetry, fiction, no matter how well or badly, not to get money or fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what's inside you, to make your soul grow.”

The Arts have a unique and profound power — they make the invisible visible. They connect us, forge unity and empathy. Art can shake us, stir us, it makes us feel more alive, more connected to something greater — even something spiritual. It’s that feeling we get as creators, performers or as a viewer.

The Arts transform us. As teachers and educators, we are privileged to witness this transformation in our students. From once hesitant and uncertain learners, they gradually build resilience and confidence.  We see it in the wry smile when we acknowledge their accomplishments and their shy acceptance of praise. These are the moments when students begin to understand the intrinsic rewards — the deep fulfilment that comes from creative expression. 

There is a sense of belonging through the Arts. Whether it’s the art studio, the dance floor, the woodwind section of the orchestra, or singing lead vocals, it's not about the physical space. It’s about the place that art transports them to where they can truly be themselves.

We are lucky to witness these moments of joy, of understanding, of realisation. These moments when they change. When they bravely share their thoughts, their feelings and their point of view.

Our students take us on a journey. We see their potential even when they don’t, and we patiently walk alongside them. Many times, students say they’re too scared to go on stage and perform. But they do it, they face their fears, take the risk, and step into the spotlight. Then, they smile. They come off stage thrilled, buzzing with excitement, wanting to do it all over again.

This moment is relevant in all aspects of the Arts, sharing paintings, photographs, poetry, stories or music composition.

We are proud and we understand the feeling they have in that moment, because we know it too. We get goosebumps, warm fuzzies, and a deep sense of joy. Because at last, they understand the magical power the Arts possess.

SPEECH & DRAMA
Centrestage Rolleston introduced a Speech and Drama (S&D) section to their Illuminate Performing Arts Competition this year, and several SMC S&D students took to the stage to perform poetry, prose, dramatic extracts and speeches this weekend. We had an outstanding result, with SMC students winning 14 of 15 classes and all four of the trophies. Suffice it to say, their teacher, Ruth Agnew, was pleased with the students’ performances. The adjudicator, Georgia Lassen, gave some insightful and encouraging remarks in her reports, and we look forward to returning to Rolleston next year.

Prepared Speech 10-12  Jody Ye - 1st

Dramatic Extract Under 10  Isla Ballantyne - Very Highly Commended (VHC), Mia Wu - 3rd, Ena - 2nd, Nari Yoon - 1st

Prepared Prose Reading 10-12 Jody Ye - 1st

Prepared Prose Reading Under 10  Mia Wu - VHC, Isla Ballantyne - 3rd,  Ena Yoon - 2nd, Nari Yoon - 1st

Poetry Own Selection 10-12  Jody Ye - 1st

Test Poem 10-12  Jody Ye - 1st

Prepared Prose Reading 13-15 Sienna O’Connell - 1st

Test Poem Under 10 Diva Arun - Highly Commended (HC), Diya Arun - VHC, Isla Ballantyne- VHC, Nari Yoon - 2nd, Ena Yoon - 1st

Prepared Speech 13-15 Sienna O’Connell - 1st

Prepared Speech Under 10 Nari Yoon - 2nd, Ena Yoon - 1st

Dramatic Extract 13-15 Sienna O’Connell - 1st

Dramatic Extract 10-12  Jody Ye - 1st

Poetry Own Selection Under 10 Diva Arun - HC, Diya Arun - VHC, Isla Ballantyne VHC, Maya Dwivedi - 3rd, Nari Yoon - 2nd, Ena Yoon - 1st

Poetry Own Selection 13-15 Sienna O’Connell -1st

Special Awards:

Best Overall Under 10 - Ena Yoon

Best Overall 10-12 - Jody Ye

Best Overall 13-15 Sienna O’Connell

Most Promising Competitor Isla Ballantyne

Singing section Tessa De Wit - 1st (Duo performance with CC student) 

EPRO8 INTERSCHOOL COMPETITION
EPRO8: Building More Than Just Machines

This term, our Y13 students had the exciting opportunity to take part in the EPRO8 interschool Challenge — and what a journey it has been for this team, especially for Millie Edwards, who was celebrated by the organiser for being the only student in New Zealand, who has competed in every EPro8 competition since 2015.

One member is rehabilitating from a brain injury, another got concussed and not able to attend, and another was sick on the day and needed a quick replacement. So the final trio had their work cut out for them in this competition.

EPRO8 is far more than an engineering competition. It’s an action-packed, time-bound challenge that pushes students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and innovate under real pressure. Working in teams, our students faced a series of complex tasks that required them to design, build, troubleshoot, and problem-solve using a limited set of materials — all while racing against the clock.

What stood out most was how every student rose to the occasion. They didn’t just complete the challenges — they stretched their thinking, applied creativity, and worked together in ways that made us proud. Under pressure, they communicated clearly, divided responsibilities, and kept each other focused. These are the same skills that will serve them well in the classroom and beyond.

Of course, no challenge is without its setbacks. But when things didn’t go as planned — when designs failed or ideas didn’t work out — our students demonstrated resilience. They regrouped, reassessed, and got right back to work. This perseverance is a key takeaway from EPRO8: learning to thrive in adversity, not just survive it.

It was inspiring to see students stepping out of their comfort zones, testing their limits, and discovering what they’re capable of when they work together toward a shared goal. EPRO8 gave them a chance to experience real-world problem solving, teamwork, and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges through persistence and creativity.

We are incredibly proud of this EPRO8 team — not just for what they built, but for how they built it: with courage, collaboration, and character.

The Grand Final, here we come!

DEBATING
My experience at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Debating Nationals this year was absolutely unforgettable, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be immersed in such high-level debating with such amazing people. 

The competition took place over four days in Wellington at the Victoria University campus. We flew up on Friday morning and had the opportunity to sightsee a little bit around Wellington, including the zoo, which was a fun team bonding experience before the next few very hectic days. We had one debate the first night, three on Saturday and three on Sunday. The debates themselves were very enjoyable and competitive, with topics ranging from politics and economics to literature, pop culture and religion. They were far harder than anything I’d debated before. We also had the opportunity to participate in other events, including a Quiz night on Saturday and the Championship formal dinner on Sunday. Although the time we had outside of debating was very limited, it was amazing to meet so many amazing people and create so many fun and fond memories.

During the in-rounds, our team won four out of our seven debates in close competition with some incredibly talented teams from Wellington, Auckland, Waikato and Otago. The Semi-Finals and Finals took place on Monday, and although our team didn’t quite make it this year (by a very small margin!), it was incredible to watch the teams in both of these debates, especially the Grand Final, which took place in Parliament.

Both the time leading up to Nationals and the competition itself were so incredible for developing my skills and confidence in debating. It was very intimidating to go into such a big competition with so many amazing and intelligent speakers, but I was pushed to keep improving, and I’m so grateful I was able to learn so many new skills both from my coaches, my teammates and other speakers up at Nationals. 

It wouldn’t have been possible without my coaches (Luke, Becs and Joni). The time taken to get our team ready for this competition was not small, and the knowledge they shared with us will be so useful in my debating in the future. They were always so positive, fun and encouraging with all of the tutorials and practice debate sessions they had planned for us. I’m looking forward to sharing it all with the debaters here at SMC. My team (Sam Allan, Kate Simcock, Samuel Amaris and Alex Johnstone) were so supportive and fun to work with, and made finishing the competition very bittersweet. Finally, I also want to thank the Canterbury English Speaking Union Trust, who generously sponsored our team and enabled this incredible experience. I’m so grateful and can’t wait to continue debating in the future!    (Orla Miller)

MUSIC
More the merrier…

The Combined Concert took place infront of a supportive audience from both St Margaret’s College and Christ’s College. Senior Arts Council leaders Emily Chambers and Lucia Tully introduced the evening with a Karakia. 

The Combined Concert provides further opportunities to perform with other students, play different repertoire, and enjoy good quality music making with like-minded students.

Both school orchestras, string orchestras and choirs combined to perform, as well as separate items from various groups, including SMC Beati Trio made up of Susan Zhang, Grace Kim and Cherry Zhang. Over 100 students participated and offered delights from Harry Potter, Billy Joel, a Stevie Wonder arrangement and Van Morrison. Classical offerings included pieces by composers C V Stanford and Duruflé. We look forward to the next collaboration.

ROCKQUEST FINAL Go The Spoons!
After 11 entries in the highly competitive RockQuest competition, one SMC band made it through to the Final, which is a wonderful achievement…and once again for this band. The Spoons (Yr 11 girls - Ivy Mehrtens, Mae Wilkinson, Tiv Crozier, Phoebe Jones and Chloe Drinkwater) will once again be competing for the prestigious title this Saturday 7 June at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre, U.C. Go The Spoons!

CHAMBER MUSIC NZ CONTEST
Harps, harps and more harps!

What do you call five harps playing together?…Harps Antarctica!

Bea Bentley (Yr 12), Faye Lichen (Yr 10), Caitlin Ching (Yr 8), Phoebe He (Yr 7) plus a Rangi Ruru student, took part last week at the Chamber Music NZ Contest. They performed the 3rd movement of a Gareth Farr piece arranged by their harp tutor Helen Webby. The competition was as fierce as ever and whilst they didn’t go any further in the contest, the feedback was extremely positive from the Judges. It was a real delight for the audience to hear a group of harps performing together, not the average lineup! 

DRAMA
It’s Showtime!

Playground Craze, a theatre company based in Australia, performed to Years 4-8 as part of their tour to NZ. They presented a fun, interactive show focusing on Cybersafety and Cyberkindness. TikTok dancing, role play, singing and interactive games were all part of this engaging, informative show that encourages social and emotional well-being, confidence, kindness, resilience and cybersafety understanding. The two performers delivered a clear message using trending ideas and up-to-date language in an entertaining way. We hope they will visit again!

PRODUCTION
What’s happening at the moment?

Rehearsals are in full flow with all the characters and dancers coming together. Backstage crew are sourcing props, the set is taking shape, and costumes are being created. 

The splendour of an eastern European palace, the laden table of a medieval kitchen, a living forest of dark dreams…all these and more flavour the deeply psychological world of THE ASH GIRL.  Ever wanted to disappear, be safe? That’s what she does…in the safety of warm ashes that lie in a beautiful rimu fireplace. It’s Cinderella with a contemporary twist… the step family isn’t so much evil, as self-absorbed and ambitious. The Prince is wealthy, arrogant and foreign, the Mirror Fairy is the call to love yourself and stop hiding and putting yourself down. And we still have a coachman, and a carriage drawn by a silver pony and a dragon. Then there are monsters of the unconscious - vivid personifications of the seven deadly sins which are simply our weaknesses, the things that swing us off track and stop us reaching our potential. 

All this in a dynamic and lively version of that well-loved Cinderella fairytale. Don’t miss it. Twenty actors: 16 from SMC and 4 from Christ’s College, 18 dancers; and the combined creative vision of Director Helen Moran, Choreographer Candice Cain, Fabric Artist Kerry-Anne Murnane.  Helen has worked in professional theatre since 1989 before anchoring herself in education, and has a rich history of performance, physical theatre and devising; Candice discovered her love for choreography while completing a Bachelor of Dance and has contributed her magic over the years to a variety of pre-professional and professional dance festivals. Kerry-Anne has extensive experience in textile arts with a large dose of high school production costuming. Maddie Elstob is also proving to be a fabulous costume assistant, creating headpieces and masks.  Each of these practitioners has a love of collaboration and passing on their passion and expertise to our taitamariki. Under the steering verve of producer Jo Mayne, a creative artist in her own right, we’re on the journey and we look forward to entertaining you! 

Book your tickets now!

SENIOR SCHOOL ARTS COUNCIL
Term 2 is off to an exciting start for our SMC arts girls. They have eagerly taken the floor performing in the combined concert, stepped onto the stage with fresh, new original songs for Rockquest and helped out at House Day. 

On May 24th, we had 11 incredible groups perform their original songs on the Aurora stage for Rockquest 2025. With 4 Solo/Duo acts and 7 Bands entering from SMC, the atmosphere was filled with excitement! Our SMC family showed compassion and encouragement, overwhelmingly proud to watch our SMC girls catch their waves of bravery and creativity. The Spoons, one of our very talented bands, has secured a spot in the Canterbury regional finals with their original song ‘That Mind’. I personally felt very proud of all our performers, as playing original music can be quite a vulnerable experience, however I think it’s safe to say SMC rocked the stage. As a year 12 student, I felt so honoured to be able to watch the year 13s perform on the Rockquest stage for the final time. I am truly inspired by every one of them and hope they continue to write original music throughout their lives. 

On the 28th of May, SMC was fortunate enough to host the Combined Concert, featuring musical items from St Margaret’s College and Christ College. The Combined Concert is an opportunity for St Margaret’s College to share our passion for Music with our brother school, Christ’s College. In addition to each school’s individual groups, we were also delighted with performances from the combined orchestra and choir. The combined choir is a student-led initiative, created by our SMC head of Vocal, Juliet Grey and Christ’s College student, Charlie Wood. Together, these two talented musicians have created a cohesive and mesmerising choir, ready and excited to perform at The Big Sing on 6th June. As part of this group, it has been fun to bring together the two schools to reunite the combined choir.

In support of our SMC House day on 29th May, our Arts Council divided to help with new house day activities such as EGG bracelet making, Jigsaw puzzles, crochet and Sphero Racing.

Georgie Campbell and I were involved in running the EGG bracelet making; we both thoroughly enjoyed this, as it was an opportunity for us to be involved in the visual arts as well as raise money for the EGG charity. It was special to see the girls come together and excitedly collaborate on this project. Our arts council ambassadors helped guide these activities, showing immense gratitude towards all aspects of the arts, from visual arts to technology. 

The Ash Girl cast continues rehearsing in preparation to take the floor at the end of June. Rehearsals bring together our amazing actors, and brilliant dancers supported by our encouraging and inspiring Director, Helen Moran. As a part of this cast, it is exciting to see the show come together with props, music and movement helping to bring the show to life! (Jess Erasmus)

FORTHCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Big Sing Friday 6th June

Rockquest Finals Saturday 7th June

EPro8 Final Wednesday 11 June

ShowQuest Thursday 12 June

The Ash Girl, Senior School Production Tuesday-Thursday 24-26 June

FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Ovation Theatre is producing `Godspell in Christchurch this October. They’re currently seeking talented young performers aged 17–27 to audition.

Auditions will be held in June, with performances scheduled for October 11th, 17th, and 18th at Papa Hou. This is a great opportunity for passionate young actors, singers, and dancers to work in a dynamic and supportive production environment.

Attached is the audition notice with all relevant details. Contact hello@ovation.nz or www.ovation.nz for further information.

FORTE run the Canterbury Schools Regional Orchestra (CSRO) at Hagley College Auditorium, providing students with the opportunity of playing in a large orchestra from a variety of schools.  

Applications are now open – see the attached poster for further details.

Rehearsals are on Friday afternoons 3.45-5.15 at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa – Hagley College, throughout Term Three starting 18th July, and culminating in a performance on Friday 5th September. There is a small cost of $20 per person. Entry is by written application on our website from which an orchestra will be selected. The target group is for students grade 3-7 level.

The orchestra will head out on a roadshow on Friday 12th September to three schools, to showcase the orchestra, and share the opportunity of learning an instrument at school.

The programme this year will include In the Halls of the Mountain King, Mambo, La La Land and the Jungle Book.                               apply on our website here before Tuesday 17th June, 2025

Resonance Ensemble

In 2024 Resonance Ensemble celebrated the Māori New Year with a concert of music by New Zealand composers. It was a very successful venture so Resonance Ensemble will present another programme of New Zealand music the Sunday before this year’s Matariki holiday.

The first part of this concert will feature John Ritchie’s colourful and descriptive Papanui Road Overture, written in 1987 a few years after the composer had moved to live near this busy Christchurch street.  Besides being one of Christchurch’s most well-known composers, John founded a string orchestra which eventually became what is now the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. On his ninetieth birthday in 2011, the CSO marked the occasion with a special concert which included some of Ritchie’s own music as well as a work specially written for the occasion by his son Anthony. Resonance Ensemble’s programme includes Anthony Ritchie’s evocative 1996 composition Albatross in Flight.  John Ritchie’s 90th birthday concert fourteen years ago, opened with another specially commissioned piece by another of his former students, our conductor, Tony Ryan, whose Fanfare for John opens this year’s Matariki programme.

The main work in this year’s concert is also by Tony Ryan. His Saxophone Concerto will be played by Sydney-based, Christchurch raised saxophonist Alice Morgan. The solo part is for soprano saxophone rather than the more familiar alto or tenor, and the concerto is as much a spectacular orchestral showpiece as an opportunity for the soloist to demonstrate their virtuosity.

Music by Claire Cowan completes this year’s line-up of New Zealand composers. Claire Cowan’s The Stolen Stars of Matariki was originally written for the NZSO to accompany a story by Miriama Kamo. Resonance Ensemble has invited Leah Williams-Partington of Loopy Tunes fame, to narrate the story, making this concert highly suitable for young people as well as our regular audience.