Term three has been a rollercoaster for the Arts, with incursions and excursions, showcases and celebrations. Together with the talented students at Yeronga, we have been championing the Arts in its many forms. What follows is but a taste of what we have been involved in, and it is truly a testament to the hard work that all Arts staff and Arts students dedicate to the craft.

The Scene Project

The Drama club, lead by Amanda Perk, participated in Queensland Theatre’s annual Scene project this term. The Scene Project is where schools across Queensland get access to a brand new play script and create their own theatre performance. Yeronga’s Drama Club performed alongside high school students from Loretto College, Aviation Academy, Fortitude Valley High School and Mango Hill SHS and did an amazing job! They received an abundance of praise from the facilitators and other school students. They made some amazing connections with other budding thespians and got some excellent industry experience and advice from the professional actors at Queensland Theatre. The students involved were Year 11s Asha Abdelrahman Selat, Amity Auguston, Connie Lambros and Evie Lyons, Year 9s Elise Foley, Reya Geering, Indigo Quills and Miwa Jongen Tsey, Year 8 Olive Frusin and Year 7s: Aria Lofting, Anne Nettleton, Taylor Shackel, Michaela Watson and Violet McFarlane.

The Apology

Year 9 Drama had Shock Therapy Productions visit and perform their production of 'The Apology'. Inspired by a true story of a high school student who “took revenge” on a classmate who was bullying him after his father advised him to “fight back”, 'The Apology' is a searingly honest look at the repercussions of taking revenge and the long-term effects that bullying can have.

This production has helped inform the student’s own practice in performance and deepened their understanding of how to manipulate the conventions of drama in order to communicate meaning.

Creative Generation

Each year, Yeronga is proud to participate in Creative Generation—State Schools Onstage (CGEN). Since its inception in 2005, the large-scale event has grown from a cast of 550 students to now more than 2,000 and is nationally renowned for its outstanding and vibrant display of state school talent. This year, 29 students in 9 different choirs, dance ensembles, instrumental ensembles and backstage crew represented Yeronga at the event.

These amazing students performed at the Brisbane conventions centre in front of 4 sold out audiences of over 1000 people each performance. They gave up their weekends and weeknights for rehearsals since the beginning of the year, and did themselves, and their teachers, Sam Robinson and Alex Fliakos, very proud indeed! These are our amazing CGen students:

Dance

This year, our Dance Troupe, lead by Alex Fliakos, entered the Ipswich Performers Dance competition for the first time, and they walked away with an award!

Their talent, dedication, and teamwork shone brightly, with each routine showcasing hours of rehearsal, passion, and school pride. From the energy of the performances to the professionalism backstage, our students were absolutely amazing!

A special shoutout to Year 9 Student Rhea McDonald who placed 3rd in the Year 12 and Under Student Choreography Category! What an outstanding achievement!

Instrumental Music

On the 28^th of August, 6pm, Instrumental Music will showcase their work for 2025. It is an amazing night filled with fantastic music performed by truly talented young musicians. On show are:

• String Quartet
  • ‘Spring’ from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
• Jazz Big Band
  • ‘Mas Que Nada’ by Jorge Ben Jor arranged by Taylor
  • ‘A Natural Woman’ by Stevie Wonder arr. J. Berry
• The Hairy Nits
  • ‘Seniv Se U Popa’ Traditional Macedonian Folk song about a man being hired to by a priest to take care off some geese. Arr. A. Grodecki
• Choir
  • ‘Ocean Eyes’ by Billie Eilish
  • ‘I Want it That Way’
• Beginner Flute Group
  • Aura Lee
• The Pink Sparkly Jackets
  • ‘Pink Pony Clob’ by Chappelle Roan arr. A. Grodecki
• String Ensemble
  • ‘Finnish Folk Song’
• Symphonic Band
  • ‘Camino Del Sol’ by Steve Hodges
  • ‘The Hanging Tree’ by Collins, Waites and Schultz arr. By M. Brown
  • ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ by Grieg arr. R. Smith & M. Story
  • ‘Baby I’ve Got You on my Mind’ by Powderfinger arr. By A. Grodecki

Farewell Mr John Aloizos

This past Yeronga Celebrates, where our students excelled in their celebration of culture and heritage, was the last to be stage managed by the amazing John Aloizos. John has retired from teaching, but ensured that our biggest and best celebration for the year went off without a hitch. John leaves behind some very big shoes to fill…both as our sound and lighting guru, but also as an amazing teacher of the Arts. He has helped to steer the ship of the Arts department for many years, and I truly wish that I had had the privilege to work with him more than I have. I have valued his sage advice. His calm and welcoming demeanour. He truly will be missed. Enjoy your retirement, John….you are welcome back anytime!