Arts News Term 2, Week 10 2026

Not always the winning that counts

With sporting teams and games, the performance focus is often on winning. A game of tennis singles results in one winner and one ‘loser’. But maybe loser is not the correct term. 

The performing arts are comparable to sports - the skills developed and the qualities acquired. The awards for both arts and sports aren't just external accolades; they are the internal fabric of who you become. It is the giving of service, the community you build along the way and your own personal growth. The real magic happens long before the whistle blows or the curtain rises.

You are pushed outside your comfort zone, your resilience is tested, and you fight your own internal battles. You may miss the goal, play a wrong note or forget your lines, but it’s the resilience and stamina to keep improving that is important.

Stepping onto a stage or court requires courage. There is a vulnerability; you are putting your emotions on display. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, writes about how the true value of pursuing goals isn't the external reward, but how it reshapes your internal self:

"The true value of a goal is not the absolute outcome you achieve, but the person you become in the process of pursuing it."

Participation in a Co-Curricular Arts group, a music competition, a debating contest, a lip sync battle, a TheatreSports workshop and so on, requires dedication, commitment, team spirit, camaraderie, trust in yourself and others, and develops so many valuable life skills, long beyond these moments.

Whilst students gain many impressive awards, it’s not just the winning that’s important. 

MUSIC

Go MSG! Grace Kim and Summer Zhou, alongside a Papanui High School flautist, reached the Chamber Music Regional Final, performing last Saturday at The Piano. They competed against over 60 ensembles from schools around the South to reach this stage. We are very proud of the girls getting this far in the contest and representing SMC. 

I’m Emily Snoep, the Head of Contemporary Music this year. 
Last week, it was so exciting to hold our first-ever contemporary music night. This was a new initiative this year that showcased a range of talented groups performing modern, contemporary pieces we all know and love. From the tracks on your daily rotation to your favourite radio hits, there was something for everyone to enjoy. 

This was a wonderful celebration of the talent, dedication and passion of our musicians. It was truly wonderful to see students of all experience levels step onto the stage and perform with confidence. Performing on stage is never easy, and every musician should be so proud of the commitment and courage they demonstrated. It truly brings us so much joy to see this hard work and talent. Performance is a skill that grows inner confidence, and I am so grateful that our SMC community creates such a welcoming environment where every musician feels supported and celebrated.

Events like this are only possible because of the people who work so hard behind the scenes. Thank you to Steve Fowler for making us sound and look our best, and for the constant encouragement he gives students as a band tutor. Thank you also to Ms Woods, our music teachers and all of our band tutors for your support and for helping us grow as musicians. 

A huge thank you to everyone for watching and supporting our musicians. To all of the performers, thank you for sharing your talent, passion and hard work with us. I hope this showcase is the beginning of a tradition that continues to inspire more students to get involved and find confidence through the contemporary music programme.

We have finally reached the end of term, and we have one last event to conclude a jam-packed term full of surprises, new events and exciting results. The girls certainly deserve a well-earned break!

The Itinerant Concert will feature a range of students, some highly experienced and accomplished musicians and some who are stepping onto the stage for the first time. Please come and support these special occasions, when students get to share their love of music with an appreciative audience. Tomorrow’s event features singers, pianists and a violinist, playing a range of musical numbers.

DEBATING

CSDC inter-school debating takes a hiatus in the second half of Term 2, returning in the first half of Term Three.

Year 13 debater, Orla Miller, was part of the Canterbury team who took part in Debating Nationals in Wellington in late May for the second year in a row. We are so proud of Orla's superb debating success.

Debate Club has been thriving, and our Middle School House Debating Competition is underway. Rata beat Matipo in Heat 1. Manuka beat Konini last week, and the third heat will see Kowhai and Rimu face off together. Who will be the winning house this year?  The calibre of our Year 9s and 10s debating is especially high, with record numbers turning up to Debate Club every Wednesday lunchtime for coaching and fun debating games led by Year 12 student head, Lena Abdinor. Lena has also begun a special fortnightly lunchtime club for keen Year 7s and 8s.

SENIOR ARTS COUNCIL

This term has been very exciting with so many opportunities for our SMC students to showcase and grow their abilities. The term began off to a fabulous start with our combined St Margaret’s and Christ College production; Les Misérables. Six nights of absolute magic as our students took the stage with the utmost confidence and grace. As a member of the Les Mis cast it was truly an indescribable feeling watching such a talented group of students bring such a complex and beautiful story to life. 

Following this production, we had the electrifying Rockquest Canterbury Regional heats, in which two senior bands, Third Take and The Spoons, made it to the Regional finals! Rockquest is always such a highlight as it gives the students an opportunity to express their voices as aspiring musicians and grow confidence within the arts. Alongside Les Mis and Rockquest we’ve also had The Big Sing, The Chamber Music Competition, Sheilah Winn Regionals and Nationals and the inaugural Contemporary Music Night!

Overall, this term has filled me with immense gratitude for the opportunities we are offered at SMC, as well as an overwhelming sense of pride as I watch the girls truly making their moments matter. Looking forward to next term fills me with so much excitement as we have the Dance Showcase, Music Showcase and are the proud hosts for the Sisters Of The Church choir tour. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year brings.

Jess Erasmus, Head of Arts

MIDDLE SCHOOL ARTS COMMITTEE

Last week, the Middle School Arts Committee organised a performing arts event for the Junior School. They were overwhelmed with the response, attracting a strong audience of over 60 Juniors to watch their arts showcase. They presented a variety of acts including dance, theatre sports, animation, musical instrument demonstrations and a piano solo in the filled-to-capacity Black Box space. The Juniors interacted, clapping along to the music and helping with the theatresports game. The Middle School girls relished the opportunity to perform for their Little Sisters, and everyone had a great time.

CO-CURRICULAR ARTS PHOTOS

Any student belonging to a Co-Curricular group will have their group photo taken next term. These will take place over 2 days, 28/29 July (Wk 2). All students need to be wearing their correct uniform (shirt and tie) on the day. A timetable will be sent out nearer the time.

OPPORTUNITIES

Auditions for the Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra, directed by Lana Law…see links for details.

CYJO - Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra 2026 

Auditions open 29 June (And close July 24)

All details can be found at https://www.chchbigbandfest.com/cyjo/

Band camp in Hanmer Springs, gigs during the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival over Labour Weekend.

CELEBRATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to the successful students who recently auditioned for the Te Hā Puoro, Christchurch Schools Music Festival representative groups. These students auditioned amongst 540 students around Canterbury to gain a place in one of the four representative groups. Please congratulate 

Junior Choir - Harriet Grant, Amber Yu, Isla Ballantyne 

Senior Choir -  Stacey Zhou, Romilly Comyn, Shevonne Bohlin

Orchestra - Melvena Geng, Olivia Guan, Alina Tao

They will be performing in the Town Hall in November representing SMC.

We are delighted to recognise the following students and their results from The GreatTalk Poetry Recitation Competition:

Year 4–6 Category

• Charlotte Tan – Third Place

• Chriselle Tok-Lee – Highly Commended

Year 9–10 Category

• Caitlin Ching – Highly Commended

These results were achieved in competition with students from schools across New Zealand and reflect a high standard of preparation, interpretation and performance. One of the most rewarding aspects of the competition is seeing young people connect with poetry and bring it to life through performance. These achievements reflect not only the students' commitment to their craft, but also their growing appreciation of literature, language and poetic expression.

Stacey Zhao (Yr 8) was awarded 1st prize for the Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ/Adam Foundation poster competition, which was held as part of the Shakespeare Festival. She designed a beautiful image for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, capturing the essence of the play with some stunning vibrant colours using soft pastels. She was fortunate enough to receive a $250 book voucher for her design. 

Juliet Borst (Yr 8) is performing in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr 5-7 August. She is getting very excited and has been practising every Sunday afternoon at the theatre. Please go and support this performance at the Isaac Theatre Royal.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Arts Photos - 28/29 July

NZ Playhouse visit (Jnr school)

Dance Made (Offsite) 2/3 Aug

Southern Jam - 5-9 Aug

Dance Showcase - 15 Aug