2015 Sydney Eisteddfod Dance Tour

On Friday 24th July, the College Senior Dance Troupe, along with Mrs Whiting and Mrs Searston, travelled down to Sydney for the largest Eisteddfod competition in Australia, the Sydney Eisteddfod.

Whilst down there, the girls enjoyed two masterclasses with well-known Sydney choreographers, plus managed to squeeze in some sight-seeing and shopping around Darling Harbour and the food markets at Moore Park. For some girls, it was the first time on a plane, and the first time visiting Sydney. The girls were excited when, during their walk around Darling Harbour, they recognised areas where the Australian dance show 'Dance Academy' is filmed.

The girls at Darling Harbour

The girls outside the Sydney Dance Company, ready for their masterclass.

Attending a workshop with choreographer Shelly Moore, who taught the troupe a dance to the Piano Guys’ cover of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

The girls after their Commercial Jazz workshop at 'Brent Street', a prestigious dance studio,
with choreographer, Cassie Bartho.

Filled with adrenaline and the odd bout of nerves, the girls rose bright and early to prepare for their Eisteddfod performance. They performed superbly, alongside 37 of the best dance groups in the country, and were excited to receive second place for their efforts, with 97 points out of a possible 100 (only one point off first place!). Mrs Pawsey even flew down to see the performance, surprising them all! 

The girls ready to perform at the Sydney Eisteddfod.

A very excited Dance Troupe with Mrs Pawsey, Mrs Whiting and Mrs Searston after being
awarded second place! 

The girls had a wonderful experience on their dance tour, learning many new skills during their workshops, and gaining valuable performance experience. 

To view more photos from the tour, click here.

Exchange Students from Hachinohe Visit Highfields Pioneer Village

For the last 10 days, we have hosted 16 girls from Sei Urusura Junior High in Hachinohe. We have developed strong ties with Sei Urusura over the past few years, with them homestaying here in 2012 and 2013 and a day visit in 2014. Last year our first group of students (graduands) spent six weeks at Sei Urusura in the inaugural  immersion program. Erika Chumpia, Holly Vaughan, Rachael Wilson and Emily Banks had an amazing (and very cold) time in Hachinohe. This immersion program will continue into the future. Our connection with this Ursuline school opens up wonderful opportunities for our girls and we are happy to reciprocate by hosting them with our students who are studying Japanese.

During their stay, the girls travelled to Highfields Pioneer Village to learn some more about Australia's history and traditions.

Learning to make Aussie damper. 

Ready to put on the coals!

Learning the art of spinning Alpaca fibre into yarn.

Meeting a sixty year old cockatoo

Outside an old school building

Writing on slates (the first ever iPad!)

Viewing a traditional Aboriginal performance

Throwing a boomerang!

To view more photos of the visit, click here.