STRATA
Issue 24 August 2014
The ACG Strathallan Magazine
of Global Warming seems like a very sweet
story, but of course it deals with fundamentally
important values and beliefs about our world.
The fairy tale stories such as Cinderella and
Snow White parodied in the College Variety
Show have long been used by our society as
a means of conveying important values to
children.
In a world where innocent men, women and
children are killed as a passenger airliner is
shot from the sky in the Ukraine, we search
for solutions to conflict that seems in many
regions to be endemic. Performing arts play a
serious role in making sense of our world. This
is important for us all but especially vital for
adolescents as they struggle to find meaning
and their own place in society.
School is a place where students are expected
to explore knowledge and discover the
different paths it may lead them to. However,
educating the mind is not enough. We need to
educate the soul too. And so the inaugural Arts
Alive festival was born.
A campus-wide initiative, Arts Alive 2014,
provided Preschool, Primary and College
students the opportunity to be involved
in a range of performance activities aimed
at showcasing the diverse talents we have
at Strathallan whilst exploiting the huge
potential of this genre for individual growth
and development. With the College Variety
showcase, the Pre-school production and
the Primary school’s musical extravaganza,
Jazz Club Night, Talent Quest and Music
Competitions, friends and family were well
entertained throughout most of Term 2.
It is generally agreed that participation in
activities such as acting, singing, playing an
instrument or dancing can have a tremendous
impact on the development of a child’s
personal growth. The confidence gained from
performing in front of a crowd, the positive
relationships developed from working as part of
a team, the self-motivation and self-discipline
that comes with rehearsals and preparation
- all make them better equipped for the
future. There is increasing evidence to support
the wider academic benefits; a child who is
exposed to and involved in the performing arts
often develops a greater capacity for learning.
An appreciation of, as well as participation
in, performing arts plays an important part in
the development of any individual’s value and
belief systems. Pre-schoolers may not have
been aware of the values espoused by the
well-known Maori myth they enacted, but it is
a story that will resonate with them on many
levels in the future. The Primary School’s tale
The performing arts, when used for political
ends, can incite and even celebrate conflict.
However there are many examples of drama,
dance, and song lyrics being used as means
of self-expression, relaxing tension, reducing
conflict and contributing to reconciliation
and peace. I can testify to this from my own
theatre work with Arab and Israeli teenagers in
Israel some years ago. For those young people,
theatre-making provided an opportunity to
interact, put aside their conflict and work
together to produce some extraordinarily
powerful performance pieces. Until, inevitably,
they had to go their separate ways as the Israeli
youth were conscripted into the army.
It is thanks to the efforts of our teachers of
visual and performing arts that the creativity of
our students is being encouraged, developed
and directed towards who knows what perhaps a positive influence for a better
world but certainly a better understanding of
themselves.
Robin Kirkham. Executive Principal “Creativity is contagious, pass it on” - Albert Einstein.
Page 1
STRATA
An Ideal Subject
As part of the AS Drama course this
year, students performed the play An
Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde. In
this satirical comedy of manners, Wilde
turns a sophisticated dinner party into a
rather revealing evening of blackmail and
corruption.
The performance was challenging for
the students who had to undertake it in
a professional and competent manner,
as they would if it were an actual staged
performance. And knowing they were
being filmed and assessed for the AS Drama
examination added extra anxiety. However,
the challenge was hugely rewarding.
One of the AS Drama students, Georgia
Nicholls told us, “Rehearsing for the play
was certainly a new experience for me. It
has allowed me to really grow and develop
as an actor, because I was constantly
working with new people and surrounded
by so much talent and many unique acting
styles. I learned something new every drama
lesson, and that has really been a highlight
of the experience for me.”
While acting may appear to be all fun and
games, there is an intensive process that
goes into making a performance special.
Georgia tells us about the rigorous audition
process for An Ideal Husband: “At the
beginning of the year, we had to learn a
monologue for the character we wanted
to play, and audition for it. Mrs Fleet, our
drama teacher, then deliberated over who
would be best suited to which character, and
assigned us our roles during the third week
of term one. From that time on, we began
learning our script, rehearsing our lines and
together, and
developing our characters’ gestures, voice,
movement on stage and facial expressions.”
The last few weeks before the performance
were stressful but worthwhile. “Anticipation
was rising as we made last minute
preparations in the couple of weeks leading
up to the performance and the actual week
of the performance was tense, stressful
and anxiety-ridden but also a lot of fun. It
was a relief to finally perform the play in
front of friends and family. This AS Drama
assessment was unquestionably one of the
high points of the year.”
Talent Quest 2014
Arts Alive was kicked off this year with the ever-entertaining Talent
Quest. Heats were held daily and of those, ten acts took centre
stage for the final at the end of the week. Mr Kirkham, Mr Lowe,
Mayo and Georgie Crispe made up the judging panel while our MC,
Olly Thomas, radio host for George FM, kept students amused with
offers of dubious prizes like the music CDs of One Direction and
Brittany Spears.
The Talent Quest was opened by the teachers’ act which did not fail
to impress as usual. This skilful troupe blew the audience away with a
water-free synchronised swimming display complete with
teachers attired in shower caps and goggles.
Later in the programme we were generously
favoured with another dazzling act from the
teachers, this time a rock band performance
which kept the crowd entertained while judges
deliberated.
This year’s talent quest once again proved
that we are not short of talent amongst our
students - from junior rock bands to moody solo
performances, singing
duos to dance acts. It
is encouraging to note
the many new acts and
younger students taking
to the stage. The Year 8
band, performing What About Now by Westlife, showed a lot of
promise while another newcomer to the stage was senior rock band,
Shadow, which featured some of our international students. Jacob
Garner’s performance of Robbers by the 1975s was also well received.
While everyone was a winner for participating, our top three acts
had to be named. Jack Boyd’s performance on the piano with his
medley of popular music won third place and his comic touches
certainly added to the appeal of this act. In second place were
Sam Jenkin and Madi Oakes with their beautiful rendition of
Youth by Daughter. The winning act was Sophie Gill with a
high energy hip-hop dance that had the audience completely
enthralled. Her sleek moves and interaction with the audience
were certainly a lesson in performance. This was definitely an
exciting event on our arts calendar.
“Nothing can reproduce the sonic and emotional power of live performance.” - Leon Botstein.
Page 2
STRATA
Fear Factor
Model UN
Strathallan successfully held another Model
UN event this term, giving students a chance
to debate global issues and share their views
with others. Each student represents a
country and this year the topic debated was
the ‘right to protest’. Everyone participated
enthusiastically, and portrayed sophisticated
and well-reasoned arguments, as well as
showing a wide perspective of economic,
social and cultural issues and how they
affect the wider world. It was a great success
– and the pizza was good too!
Ball Season
Boardwalk Empire was the theme of this
year’s Strathallan Senior Ball and once again
the girls looked dazzling in their beautiful
gowns and the boys looked extremely
smart in their suits. The Crown Plaza
was a fantastic venue and was beautifully
decorated in the flamboyant colours of the
roaring 20s theme - and the dance floor was
full the whole night. The ball committee did
a tremendous job in organising this fabulous
night - everyone had a fantastic time.
This term saw several of our bravest students
(junior and senior alike) fight it out for the
title of ACG Strathallan’s Fear Factor: Food
Edition champion for 2014. Used as part
of the school’s fundraising for this year’s
40hour famine, all donations will be going
towards those in need living in Malawi. It
was great to see so many students getting
involved and signing up for the events which
saw students digest a range of ‘delightful’
delicacies (think gherkins, baby food and
anchovies). Supreme winners were Kiran
Morar, who took out the junior title, and
Mary Laing, the senior.
TOUGH GUY AND
GIRL CHALLENGE
Fourteen of our toughest senior students took on the best of the Upper North Island, enduring
12 km of mud, rain and cold to compete in the Tough Guy and Girl Challenge this term. All
students performed really well but it was our girls who came out top, bringing home the title
of ‘Toughest Girls’. Congratulations to Makayla Walters, Brianna Butler-Gallie, Olivia Sutton,
Bianca Cookson and Danica Fuhlendorff.
(See back page ph
oto spread!)
2014 Ball Comm
ittee
“Before challenging others, challenge yourself.” - Anon.
Page 3
STRATA
A SHOWCASE OF HID
For ten years, ACG Strathallan has staged
traditional musical productions that have
never ceased to impress. For a group of young
students to put together shows that have
dazzled Broadway for years requires a high level
of maturity and dedication, and every year the
enthusiasm and skill of those involved is clear
to see on the stage. From Little Shop of Horrors
to West Side Story, the college’s talented team
of students, teachers and friends have taken on
every challenge with a positive and professional
attitude.
However this year, as part of Arts Alive 2014,
Strathallan aimed to demonstrate the sheer
diversity of talent that sometimes escapes the
spotlight. A brand new show was crafted to
show off the true identity of Strathallan and
reflect the individuality of its students. The
College Variety Showcase: a production of
many different classical and contemporary
acts - from Shakespeare to Broadway and even
some original pieces - combined purely to
reflect the passions of those performing. This
year, as opposed to an average team of thirty
students who regularly take part, over ninety
students of all ages came together to showcase
their talents and an appreciation for music,
drama and dance.
Four shows were performed over three days
and the hours of exhausting lunchtime and
after-school rehearsals certainly paid off, as
audiences were delighted by the expertise of
the performers. Each musical number, drama
skit, and dance piece was introduced by four
very polished yet personable MCs – Chelsea
Ranger, Chiara van Baarle, Daniel Klinac and
Jack Boyd. They introduced the audience
to each act and provided an insight into the
history of the musical, the students involved
and even an exciting hint as to some shows that
Strathallan might take on in future productions
(the prospect of The Lion King was very well
received by all).
The musical numbers from Strathallan’s past
and possibly future shows were nothing short
of outstanding. Songs from Grease, Mamma
Mia, The Lion King and Back to the 80s had
the audience dancing and singing along, but
the heart stopping rendition of The Lion King’s
‘Shadowland’ left those watching awestruck.
Year 11 student, Alice Hall, channelled Nala’s
power and the backing vocals from the choir
were flawless.
Laughter was rife throughout the theatre as
the hilarious and original drama skits provided
comic relief between the musical acts.
Students of all ages and abilities were able to
take part in the diverse satires.
But not only are the students’ efforts to be
commended. This year Music teacher, Bruce
Wilson, and English and Drama teacher, Elaine
Fleet, took the role of Musical Director and
Acting Director as opposed to bringing in a
director from outside the school. The show
was expertly stage managed by Rebecca
Llewellyn.
Pre-school and Primar
In week seven of term two, the entire school,
from pre-school to college were involved in a
number of theatre productions for Arts Alive
2014. All of these were staged at the Hawkins
Theatre in Papakura where the families of the
students could enjoy their dramatic efforts.
The Pre-school performed Cry Baby Moon.
If you have ever wondered what advice the
Clouds, the Rain, the Thunder and Lightning
and the Rainbow could possibly give the Moon,
this was certainly the show to find out. The
decision to use Cry Baby Moon was made
because this particular book is a favourite of the
little ones at the pre-school. It was also fairly
easy to produce this play and be able to include
lots of children. All the senior staff was involved
and the director and driving force behind it was
Ann Bennett. Cry Baby Moon was well received
by parents and grandparents.
In the primary school, the juniors, Years 1-3,
performed Eddie the Penguin and the seniors,
years 4-6, entertained the audience in a Musical
Extravaganza.
Each year, Lynnette Leggett, the primary school
music teacher, looks carefully for shows that
are suitable for particular age groups and also
ensures that they have an appropriate message.
The musical, Eddie the Penguin, has a strong
“Some things I cannot change, but till I try, I’ll never know!” - Anon.
Page 4
STRATA
DDEN TALENT
ry School Productions
environmental message that the children could
easily grasp. The plot revealed how even a
Penguin named Eddie, some Polar Bears and
Lumberjacks can help with Global Warming.
The Melting Song and The Walking Song were
very catchy and the audience came away with a
clear message about re-cycling.
The seniors’ Musical Extravaganza was
beautifully performed. The show opened with
the whole senior school performing a recorder
piece, Swingin’ Bones. It was jazzy and fun which
set the tone for the rest of the evening. Lynnette
Leggett conducted a unique musical show
which also highlighted the students’ creativity
and talent using marimbas and steel drums. The
students from each class created rhythms during
their music classes and developed these into
foot-tapping compositions. Both the students
and Mrs Leggett enjoyed performing these.
The audience was also treated to a choir item,
Naughty from Matilda, sung by the PPPA Choir.
They will be performing this at an upcoming
music festival. The show closed with a powerful
performance of Roar by Katy Perry.
All primary staff provided support with making
props and directing children during the
actual full rehearsals. Well done to the
primary school.
“That’s the thing about jazz: it’s free flowing, it comes form your soul” - Billy Crystal.
Page 5
STRATA
trombone, a bass, guitars, keyboards and a drummer.”
The band is proving to be an exciting part of school life for those
involved. Students are getting to meet other like-minded musicians
from schools across New Zealand as they travel around to perform in
various competitions. Oliver says, “I love being in this band, and I am
lucky to have met all these people along the way. Everyone gets along
with everyone else and we just learn to stick with each other and make
sure we support each other.”
Their latest big success was a performance the band staged for Arts
Alive 2014. It was held at the Karaka Sports Complex and attracted a
great crowd. According to Oliver it was “a lot of fun. We played a total
of 17 songs and repeated some as well. Overall it was a great night and
I can’t wait for the next one!”
Our newest addition to the repertoire of the music department has
been the beginning of the Jazz Club and it hasn’t taken long for this
group to make their name in New Zealand jazz circles with trombone
player, Jacob Fraser, recently awarded Best Overall Trombone Player
at the Manuwatu Jazz Festival Competition where the band competed
recently.
One of the exciting challenges of being in a jazz band is the ever
present opportunity to show some originality with improvisation.
“Seeing people stand up and do an improvisation solo when they are
not confident with it, was really cool. They all gave it a shot and they
didn’t disappoint.”
Mrs Revell-Keys has certainly been an inspiration and has provided this
group of students with a soulful new beat.
Jazz Club was first mentioned during the holidays after last year’s prize
giving. Band director, Mrs Heather Revell-Keys, sent out emails to lots
of students about joining the band. Many students showed immediate
interest and practice started on the first day of the new school year.
Oliver King, year 10, is the band leader. “Right now in our band there are
nineteen students playing instruments, but this number is sure to grow
throughout the year. We have quite a variety of musical instruments:
there are clarinets, both alto and tenor saxophones, flutes, trumpets, a
Top Row: Jai Mitchell-Hendry, Naanak Mann, Lauren McCullagh, Shaun Kyle, Angus Cameron, Dion Driver, Lisa Holtham, Oliver King,
Jaydon Allen, Jacob Fraser, Bailey Allen, Harry Wigley, Erin O’Mara, Samantha Francis, Matthew Cloutman
Absent: Simone Hill-Rennie, Aneesha Patel, Kyle Mahadevan, Daniel Klinac
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure”- Bill Cosby.
Page 6
STRATA
An Artful Career
A career in the arts may often seem like a scary option. There
can sometimes be a tendency to follow a “safe” career path
rather than explore what could be regarded as a more daunting
career in the performing industry. If you need a bit of inspiration,
then read on. Two ex-students from Strathallan have taken on
the challenge, followed their passion and found success and
satisfaction.
Bex Dewhurst completed
year 13 at Strathallan College in 2009.
Nowadays, you can listen to her bubbly
voice on The Breeze radio station where
she works as Brand Manager for The
Breeze at Mediaworks, Waikato. This is
what her job entails: “I look after things
such as marketing for the brand, making
sure that there are constant promotions and competitions running.
Every day I cover the traffic reports for the Waikato, both evenings
and afternoons, across all Mediaworks brands. I also do ‘crosses’
which means I voice them in a studio, they play on air and then I go
on location to meet people who have heard the crosses and provide
giveaways. Finally, I deal with clients on a daily basis.”
As a teenager, Bex was a talented performer and she explored further
acting opportunities while still at school: “I loved the AS Drama
paper that I took. I already had a lot of confidence as a person as I
have pretty much been brought up on the stage. However, the Drama
paper gave me the confidence to perform under pressure as it was
the first time I had to perform and be evaluated on my performance.
It was no longer family and friends just watching a dancing show or
musical that I was in. I was actually being judged for it! Performing
in the school productions were also amazing experiences and also
helped my confidence grow further.”
Bex offers some great advice for students considering a career in
radio. “Do it! Don’t expect to be famous overnight and be prepared
for long hours throughout the week and weekend. It’s totally worth
it in the end! The people you meet are amazing and the things you
learn in your first week alone are incredible. No two days are ever the
same. I see myself in a radio career for a very long time as it seems
more of a passion than a job.”
Jessica Fong also attended
Strathallan but is probably better known
these days for her roles in television
programmes such as Step Dave and Flat 3.
When she was a student, JJ had aspirations
of becoming a dancer and working on cruise
ships or musical theatre shows. She did,
however, audition for school productions and talent quests when
she was at school.
We asked JJ what aspiring television actors should expect when on set:
“It entails a lot of waiting around, a lot of snacking and a lot of learning
of lines. Seriously, there is a lot of waiting: about eighty per cent of the
time is waiting on crew to build for lighting so you spend a great amount
of down time then you have three to four takes on set.”
Beside the hard work, there are many exciting prospects one can look
forward to. JJ says she enjoys meeting the different types of people on
set - crew members and cast. “I think the people behind the scenes
make the show for me and it is great fun watching what they do!”
JJ is not only making her name in acting. She and three of her friends
have produced a web series called Flat 3. “We did it with all our
own money for season one, and then got a following so we decided
to proceed with season two with fans backing us and our own money.
Then the third season (which we are in the middle of shooting) was
all government-funded money.” As you can see, JJ has been willing to
take some risks in her field and they’ve paid off. “I think it was the most
rewarding experience because we wrote, story-lined and acted in the
show all ourselves. We owned the material ourselves and we motivated
ourselves to pursue it without much money. However, we had a lot of
support from fellow friends in the industry. It has turned into something
we never thought would get past season one and that is the reward as
we now have a government-funded show!”
JJ has some valuable advice for students aspiring to a career in acting.
“Never give up! It is one of the hardest industries to be in: the rejection
rate is high and making a living can be tough but if you keep at it every day
and show determination, you never know what might happen, and things
CAN happen. Stay positive; never take anyone or anything for granted.
Just get stuck in and don’t hesitate to just DO IT. Remember where you
come from and who helped you get there because somewhere down
the line you are bound to meet them again. Stay true and humble.”
ACG Strathallan. Hayfield Way, RD1, Papakura, New Zealand.
Telephone: (+ 64 9) 295 0830 Facsimile: (+64 9) 295 0833
Email: strathallan@acgedu.com Website: www.acgedu.com
Strata Magazine is proudly designed and printed by ideafactory.
For Advertising Enquires, phone Nigel King 09-250-1000