Newsletter Term 3 Week 5 2019

After leaders were announced on Tuesday’s assembly, I shared a news story which prompted my thinking about our core value of care at St Aidan’s. An ABC news item with accompanying photographs of a huddle of cute little fairy penguins on Phillip Island sporting even cuter hand-knitted jumpers came up on my news feed over the weekend. The story highlighted the ‘Knits for Nature’ campaign, which originated in the late 1990’s after a number of oil spills near Phillip Island. The Penguin Foundation called for assistance from the public to knit jumpers to help the penguins in their rehabilitation.
Tens of thousands of little jumpers were received and since 2014 they have been used to raise funds for penguin research and conservation at Phillip Island. This is a story of support and care and made me wonder what Ptula our penguin mascot means to our school and how do her penguin friends support each other. I went in search of facts and amongst others, I shared with students one point that really spoke to me:

• Each penguin of the colony has a unique voice, and that is why they can recognise each other.

Just as Mumble of ‘Happy Feet’ and his unique voice was nurtured and supported, students care for each other at our school, in a unique St Aidan’s way. Students look out for each other, encourage each other and lift each other up.

Through role modelling, empathy and leadership demonstrated by our current Year 12 senior leaders and what our Year 11 student leaders aspire to be, our school is known for students and staff who listen out for and recognise the unique voices at St Aidan’s. I challenged all students to be like a penguin and to care and support each other, especially our Year 11 students as they respond in their unique ways to the exciting news of Tuesday.

In the next few weeks other significant leadership positions, including Interact Board members, music, individual sport and other activity captaincies will all be announced. We endeavour to share the formal leadership positions across the cohort and work hard to allow every Year 12 student the opportunity to take on informal leadership through the senior year.

School Captain Lilyan Sullivan
School Vice-Captain Paris Teevan
Prefects         Tayla Behr
Lilley Bishop
Emily Chapman
Joanna Figuardo
Annie Hulme
Aeshlein Ralston
Akshaya Selvarajan
Lara Soo
Lilyan Sullivan
Paris Teevan
Georgina Whittle

Sacristans Olivia Gabauer
Taya Kesby

Sports Captains Jasmine Fleming
Jessica Hulme

Music Captains Renee Byrne
Phoenix Yuksel

Debating Captains Gabrielle Christou
Akshaya Selvarajan

International Captain Cindy Liu

House Co-Captains Austen Cavell
Elisa Tamai Annabelle Burke
Shellbee Welsh Samantha Watkin

Barrett Hartland
Rebecca King Abigail Sweeney
Haley Webster Scarlett Winter

Bronte Nightingale
Sophie Idzikowski Mai-Lyn Foong
Lilly Richards          Anouk Johnson

Congratulations to:
• Eloise McLellan (Year 4) who competed for Queensland at the School Swimming Australia (Nationals). Eloise’s 10 Years Medley Relay team came 3rd.

Best wishes:
• Our Prep students for their Possum Magic incursion.
• Teachers, parents and students attending the last round of formal Parent Teacher interviews for this year.
• Everyone at St Aidan’s celebrating St Aidan’s Day on Friday!
• QGSSSA Winter sports participants for Round 4 fixtures this weekend.

Test block schedules and QCS
Year 11 and 12 have their test block schedules for this term and should be making their study plans. Year 11 commence with a home study day on 27th August. Year 12 commence with home study on 9 September. Year 12 also have the QCS test on the 3rd and 4th of September and should be well rested and prepared for this test. We wish all students well for these significant assessments.

Year 9 and 10 2020 subject selections
Subject selection forms are due back to the school on Monday 19th August. Students complete the form electronically and then forward to parents for approval. Please refer to the curriculum handbooks for subject information. Note that a replacement handbook was emailed to the students, with an updated entry for the subject Technology: Digital Design.

Parent teacher interviews 6-12
The final evening of parent-teacher interviews for 2019 takes place this Thursday 15th August.
We appreciate the opportunity to build partnerships between teachers and parents so that together we can support our students.

Year 10 2019 assessment and reporting update
Students in Year 10 are currently completing introductory units in senior subjects, giving them an experience of the subjects and an indication of their aptitude.

It is usual for all students to experience some discomfort when changing subjects and teachers, and particularly when encountering a higher-degree of specialisation. Thus far, the Year 10s have been very positive in their approach to new challenges.

We recommend that students avoid making significant changes to their academic programs if possible. If, however, a student finds that she isn’t coping with a subject, a change prior to Term Four may be needed. Should any student need to change subjects after the Term Three assessment, she should first speak to her parents and then make an appointment to speak to me. All Year 10 subject changes must be finalised by the Friday 11th of October, at the end of the first week of Term Four; sooner is preferable.

We strongly advise parents to consider the continuous reporting for each subject at the end of Term 3, to talk to their daughters about how they have fared in their first senior assessment.

An interim report will be sent to Year 10 parents at the end of 2019. The reporting for the completed ATAR Unit 1 will fall at the end of Term 1 2019, and for ATAR Unit 2 at the end of Term 3 2019. This marks a shift from semester-based reporting to match the senior unit timelines.

Year 12 2020 information evening
Parents and current Year 11 students are invited to attend an information evening on October 10th at 6:30pm to talk through the senior year timelines and processes. We hope that as many families as possible can attend this session as an opportunity to engage with ‘the big picture’ of the students’ final year of schooling. The school leadership team is looking forward to working with the students and families throughout Year 12 2020.

• QG Fixtures Week 5

•Club Fixtures Week 5

• Training Schedule Week 6

• The Back Page

Term 3 Recital
St Aidan’s AGS students are invited to perform in the Term Three Performing Arts Recital, held in the Auditorium on Thursday 29th August from 6.00pm – 7.00pm.
This concert is a wonderful opportunity for students to perform polished repertoire and to learn about performance etiquette.
This concert is strictly a one-hour event and the order is determined on the receipt of the permission form; as permission forms are submitted, students will be added to the concert order. If the hour concert order becomes full, any additional students will be asked to perform at a later Recital.
The order of performers will be published in the emailed newsletter in the week of the recital. Students are to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the start of the concert. All students should wear their blue school uniform to the performance.
All students must hand in the permission form no later than Friday 16th August – Forms are available from the private tutors. All forms are to be returned to Senior Staff Reception or music@staidans.qld.edu.au.
Additionally, piano accompaniment will be provided on the night and music must be handed in with the permission slip. No accompaniment will be available if music is not supplied by due date. The accompanist will be available for rehearsals immediately prior to the Recital from 4.45pm – 5.45pm.
Due to the potential length of recitals, we ask that students perform one item only for each study area.

Eisteddfod and AMEB Results.
Congratulations to Ella Lau in Year 12 for recently completing her Associate Diploma of Music (A Mus) on Flute – a great achievement Ella. Congratulations also to Grace Houghton in Year 9 who recently placed first in the Open Sonata Section for woodwind and second in the 14-20yrs Woodwind Solo Section of the Silkstone Eisteddfod – well done Grace.

St Aidan’s and St Laurence’s Combined Project
On Tuesday 20th August, students of the Symphonic Winds and Paganini Strings will be taking part in a combined rehearsal and concert in conjunction with the musicians from St Laurence’s College. Participating students will remain after school on the day to attend the event, which will conclude at 7:00pm.

Where: Christine Hartland Centre
Date: Tuesday 20th of August
Time: 3.30-7:00pm
Uniform: Blue school uniform with stockings

Students are asked to ensure they have a snack with them for afternoon tea. There will be a break at 5:15pm, during which a BBQ dinner will be provided by the Music Support Group. The schedule for the event is as follows:
3:45pm St Laurence’s students arrive
3:50pm Rehearsals commence
(3:50pm – 4:50pm Band and Strings rehearsals)
(4:50pm – 5:20pm Combined Symphony rehearsal)
5:20pm Dinner
5:55pm Tune and gather on stage
6:00pm Concert commences, featuring:
1. St L/St A Combined Band – Declaration Overture
2. St A Ascension Strings - Haydn’s Minuet and Trio
3. St L/St A Combined Strings
4. St L String Orchestra 1
5. St L/St A Combined Symphony – Espana Cani (Spanish Folk Song)
6:50pm Pack up
7:00pm Event finishes
All family and friends are invited to support these students by attending the concert (6:00-7:00pm). Parents are asked to collect their daughters from the CHC at the conclusion of the evening.

Music Groups
All students are welcome to participate in the Music Ensembles on offer at St Aidan’s. Students need to have some proficiency on the instrument appropriate to the ensemble but all students are encouraged to sing in the choir! Any girl who is interested is encouraged to discuss their involvement with Dr Cuskelly j.cuskelly@staidans.qld.edu.au Ms Trott c.trott@staidans.qld.edu.au or Mrs Figliano s.figliano@staidans.qld.edu.au

Instrumental lessons in 2019
Don’t forget to complete the electronic private tuition form as soon as possible and return to us here at the school. Knowing which students are continuing with their lessons really assists in organising instruments, timetables and rooms. And of course, we are very keen to hear from any new students who are interested in learning an instrument. The link to the online enrolment form is as follows:
https://au1.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhA6JM5HtbLwCed2S0TO047YiiTGdXfRFLn2AQer-VgcswmKKHCGd4cE8SZZDkT29Eg*

Music Support Group
The St Aidan’s Music Support Group, made up of parents, students and staff, provides vital support to the school’s young musicians through its fundraising endeavours and its smooth organisation of concerts and other music events. The group regularly purchases much-needed instruments, music and other equipment, and also helps support other activities such as workshops and overseas tours.
The support group relies on the goodwill of parents to help with ticket sales, catering, publicity, and fundraising which are vital to the seamless running of concerts throughout the year. Meetings are scheduled for Monday evenings at 7:00pm in the Science and Technology Building meeting room (SG02). Please feel free to contact the group’s president, Paula Hodge, paula.hodge@bigpond.com if you have any questions, or if you would be willing to volunteer but are unable to attend regular meetings.

Rehearsal Schedule for 2019
In order to assist parents and students in planning, please see the rehearsal schedule for 2019. This schedule has been prepared in consultation with the Head of Sport and every effort has been made to minimise clashes. However, please bear in mind that there are usually a minimum of 2 sports training scheduled in any week and should there be a clash between a music rehearsal (offered once a week only) and a sport training students are to attend the musical rehearsal on the set day and attend the alternative sports training on the other.
Please click herefor the 2019 Rehearsal Schedule.

CHOIRS
• Ensemble Volar (auditioned)
• Chorale (Yrs 9-12)
• Children Crossing (Yrs 6-8)
• Junior Singers (Yrs 3-5)
• Community Choir (Semester Two only)

STRING ENSEMBLES
• Paganini Strings (AMEB Grade Five and above, auditioned)
• Corelli Strings (AMEB Grade Two and above)
• Chamber String Ensembles: Volar Strings, Allegro Strings, Arco Strings, Four Seasons Strings, Da Capo Strings (auditioned)
• Vivaldi Strings (Yrs 5-8)
• Dolce Strings (Yrs 2-4)
• Clementi Celli
• Beginner Strings Program
• Combined Orchestras (Symphonic Winds and Paganini Strings)

BAND ENSEMBLES
• Symphonic Winds (AMEB Grade Four and above)
• Con Brio Band (AMEB Grade Two and above)
• Taffanel Flutes (Yr 5 and above)
• Charma Band (Yrs 5-7)
• Back-beat Band (Yr 5 and above)
• Percussion Ensemble (Yr 5 and above)
• Taffanel Flutes (Senior Chamber Flute Choir)
• Yr 4 Beginner Band Program
• Yr 3 Beginner Band Preparation Program (Semester Two only)
• Combined Orchestras (Symphonic Winds and Corelli Strings)

2019 Music Calendar
Please click here for Term 3 Music Calendar. Changes and additions may be made throughout the year. Updates will be provided in the Newsletter.

On the 7th of August 2019, the Year 8 Chinese class went on a Chinese excursion to the Chong Tian Temple. At the temple, we participated in activities such as Tai Chi, Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy and Meditation. In the afternoon, we visited a Chinese supermarket where we were able to explore a variety of Chinese goods and buy a few treats. Afterwards, we headed to Yum Cha for lunch where we ate food like soup dumplings, BBQ pork buns, spring rolls, sesame balls and more. Overall, the day was a great experience of the Chinese culture by trying new foods and visiting the temple.

On Monday 5th August, STAGE represented St Aidan’s at the Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod in their last competition of 2019. This was the first time STAGE competed here and performed admirably, taking away 2 Highly Commended awards for their lyrical and contemporary performances. They then backed this up the next day, performing the contemporary for the school at assembly. Thank you to the members of the school community who came out to support them, especially as this was the senior’s last external performance. It was been wonderful to have strong and ongoing support from the school community during the 2019 season.
On Saturday 10th August, some of the members of STAGE took a trip to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to see “School of Rock”, the musical. The team’s musical theatre routine for 2019 is from this musical, which will be performed at QuizIt in Term 4. It was exciting to see the musical where the songs being used for the dances come from and the children involved in the performance were impressive, playing their instruments live on stage in their rock band.
We hope to see many people at Quizit, where not only will the current musical theatre routine be performed, but also a new dance being choreographed for the night.

RSPCA Cupcake and Craft Stall – huge success!
Without a doubt, the highlight of last week in the Junior School was the RSPCA Cupcake and Craft Stall last Wednesday. The team of Year 6 Penguin Aid Leaders were kept busy throughout the day serving students and staff who were keen to taste the home-baked cupcakes and choose from the array of homemade crafts.
Dozens of carefully decorated cupcakes were generously donated by parents from the school community. The clever creations made choosing just one cupcake quite a challenge for those who had the pleasure of seeing the delicious spread on display.
In addition, Kaylee Leo and Alice O’Rourke (Year 4) are to be recognised for their whole-hearted efforts in creating handmade crafts for sale on the day. The students enjoyed visiting the stall to buy a hairclip, succulent, gift card, pom-pom bag or bookmark. Well done girls!
Lastly, Mrs Jenny Sherlock, Mrs Susie Rigby and the Penguin Aid Leaders are to be thanked for their efforts and enthusiasm in making this year’s RSPCA Cupcake Stall a huge and memorable success. The donations from both Senior and Junior School stalls totalled $2595.30. This amazing donation will be gratefully received by the Queensland RSPCA Branch at Wacol and will be used to support animal rescue and rehabilitation programs for domestic animals in the community.

St Aidan’s Day Activities – Friday 16 August
On Friday 16 August, students and staff will take part in our St Aidan’s Day celebrations.
From 9am-10am, Kindy-Year 4 students will be attending Messy Church (CHC) led by Reverend Gillian. Girls in Years 5-12 will take part in a Eucharist (CHC) at 10.30am. House coloured cupcakes will be shared by all students and staff to celebrate our 90th year.
At 12.30pm (after lunch), girls from Prep-Year 12 will move to Ambiwerra to engage in mixed year level House activities. Prep-Year 5 students will travel by bus and all other students will walk to Ambiwerra under the supervision of their teachers. It is anticipated that the girls will return to school by 3pm. Please be mindful that patience may be required at pick up time should there be a delay in our return to school.
Junior School students are encouraged to wear their sports uniform with House coloured shirts (they may be worn to and from school). Hats, water bottles and sunscreen are essential.

Second-hand Book Collection
As part of this year’s Children’s Book Week, our Year 6 Penguin Aid Leaders will be co-ordinating a collection of pre-loved books. Any picture books and easy-to-read children’s books in ‘good condition’ will be suitable for the collection. The books will be donated to a children’s orphanage in India. Information about the charity can be found on the website called Romana's Garden.
Please send any suitable second-hand books to your daughter’s classroom or to the Junior School Library and place in the collection boxes from now until the end of Week 6.

Free Dress Day – Wednesday 21 August
On Wednesday 21 August, as part of our Book Week celebrations, students in Kindy-Year 12 are encouraged to come dressed as a character from a book. We will be having a costume parade in the Junior School Courtyard at 8.30am. Please join us!
Students must wear enclosed shoes and abide by sun safety rules. Girls involved in sporting activities (PE or training) must remember to dress appropriately for their activity or change into their Browns. All students must remember to bring a hat.
Funds raised from gold coin donations will go to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/

Father’s Day Stall/Raffle
In conjunction with the Father’s Day Stall (gifts $15) being held on Wednesday 28 August, we will also be holding a Father’s Day Raffle which raises money that is directly used by the Junior School to provide specialised learning materials for Junior School students. To enable the raffle to proceed and to provide you with the opportunity to win some great prizes, we would love donations to enable us to assemble some gourmet hampers.
For this to happen, and to make it easy for you to pick something up when shopping and drop it in to school, we have the following suggestions for each year group:

Kindergarten Wine or Chocolates/toffees
Prep Speciality coffee or Twinings Tea/ Tea 2 Tea
Year 1 Shortbread or gourmet sweet biscuits/fudge
Year 2 Savoury crackers suitable for cheese, or gourmet jam
Year 3 Shortbread/ gourmet sweet biscuits/fudge
Year 4 Wine or Chocolates or gourmet jam
Year 5 Wine or Chocolates/toffees
Year 6 Speciality coffee or Twinings Tea/ Tea 2 Tea

Of course, if you have something else (eg. book vouchers, Bunnings vouchers etc.) you would like to contribute as a prize, this would be very much appreciated.
Thank you very much for your assistance in contributing to these raffles which give much enjoyment to the girls at the lunchtime draw. Any contributions to the raffle can be dropped in to form classrooms or Mrs Morrison at the Junior School Reception.
We will be having a ‘wrapping day’ on Tuesday 27 August (in the Junior School Library) to package the gifts to be sold at the stall. If you are able to assist for any length of time, your help would be greatly appreciated. We will be commencing at ‘drop off’ time and concluding as soon as all of the gifts are packaged and ready to be scrutinised by many excited shoppers the following day!

Social Media Tips for Parents
It’s understandable to want to share about your family on social media. If you do decide to share, try asking your children what they’re comfortable with and take some precautions. Pay close attention to privacy settings on your social media pages. Choose your photos carefully and watermark the ones you post publicly. Ask friends and family to refrain from posting photos or videos of your child. And start involving your child in deciding what is appropriate to share with others. Those conversations can help ward off bad feelings in the future and are useful for preparing your child for living in a digital age. For more information see the attached fact sheet (here)- Guidelines for Sharing Information About your Children On Social Media from Kirra @ Safe On Social

A winter SunSmart warning!
Please find information below from the Cancer Council about winter sunshine in Queensland, particularly as we are experiencing such lovely warm daytime temperatures.
It’s time to set the record straight in the debate about vitamin D in Queensland.
Many of us mistakenly think because we’ve hit winter – the days are colder and the weather cloudier – that we should ease up on sun protective behaviours and increase our sun exposure to boost vitamin D.
This is not the case in Queensland. While other States and Territories change their sun protection messages in winter months, in Queensland we need to protect our skin every day. This is because the UV level is 3 (moderate) or above all year round which is when sun protection is needed - Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
Get in the habit of applying sunscreen daily, wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat, or take a sun umbrella when out and about, cover-up with sun protective clothes and seek shade when outdoors.
You can also download the free SunSmart app to your phone to get on-the-go information. Make it a priority to stay SunSmart – and share this winter warning with your friends!

Important Dates
Please click here for Important Dates Term 3, 2019.

Please click herefor the Junior School Training Schedule for Week 5 and Week 6 Term 3.

Athletics Training
With one week left until the Andrews Cup Athletics competition, squad members are encouraged to attend as many trainings as possible.
No Training on the Ekka Holiday 14 August 2019.
Please Note:
Andrews Cup Breakfast Wednesday 21 August 7.30am Science and Technology (Auditorium)

Final Training:

Note: No Training on Ekka Wednesday

Andrews Cup Athletics – 22 August QSAC - Nathan
Girls are required to wear their full sports uniform (brown shirt), including sports cap, to and from the carnival. The school tracksuit is also recommended. Students must compete in the Athletics singlet and either brown bike pants or brown shorts. Running spikes (no longer than 6mm) are allowed in the laned individual events (80m, 100m, 200m), high jump and long jump only. Blanks or blunts may be worn for the 800m and relay. Girls must ensure that they have appropriate footwear for their other events.

Transport
A bus will be provided to transport our athletics team to and from the carnival. Girls are asked to assemble at Kathleen St. at 7.20am for a 7.30am departure. At the conclusion of the carnival, girls not returning to school on the bus must see Ms Jeanes-Fraser and have their names signed out by a parent. Girls who will be travelling on the bus back to school will return at approximately 3.45pm.

Celebration Breakfast
All squad members and their parents are invited to attend the Athletics Breakfast, to be held at The Archer & Templeton, Science and Technology Centre on Wednesday 21 August with a formal presentation at 7.45am in the Auditorium.

Andrews Cup Gymnastics
Andrews Cup Gymnastics trials commenced last Friday 9 August at 6am at Splitz Gymnastics, Sumner Park. Trials will conclude this Friday 16 August. During the first two weeks of trials, girls will be expected to attend at least two of the three sessions. This will hopefully enable squads to be finalised as early as possible and also enable coaches to confirm the number of weekly sessions girls will be required to attend for training. The Andrews Cup Squad will be announced by Week 6.

West Taylor Bridge Friday Clubs Competition - Semester 2 Interschool Sport
West Taylor Bridge Club trials will continue Friday 23 August from 1pm to 2.30pm at Ambiwerra for all girls in Years 4 – 6.
The Walter Taylor Bridge sport competition will commence on Friday 30 August 2019.
As with previous years, we have attempted to cater for as many students as possible with the training times but we recognise that due to the commitments of so many girls, we will not always be able to find a suitable time for all involved. Girls involved in Interschool Basketball and Softball are expected to attend a training session but if any difficulties exist, please contact Ms Jeanes-Fraser.
As a courtesy to staff and other coaches, please note the starting and finishing times for each session.
Girls are reminded of the expectation to attend a minimum of one training session of their chosen sport each week. Training for all teams for all sports (Basketball and Softball) is located at Ambiwerra.
Training sessions and coaches have been confirmed for Basketball and Softball teams – please see below.

Softball Training Sessions Will Commence Friday 30 August 2019
Friday morning 6.45am-7.45am at Ambiwerra
Girls are reminded to bring their glove and water bottle.
Miss Swan, Hannah King and Ashlee Johnson

Basketball Training Sessions Will Commence Friday 30 August 2019
Friday morning 6.45am-7.45am at Ambiwerra
Mrs Egan, Miss Cromarty and Raquel Spies

Congratulations
Congratulations to Eloise McLellan who competed for Queensland at the Australian School Swimming Competition in Adelaide this month. Eloise had a fabulous competition making finals in both her individual events of the 50m and 100m Breaststroke and her 10 Years Medley Relay Team placed 3rd. Well done, Eloise!

Andrews Cup and Interschool Sport Photos
With the Semester One sports concluded, I am looking at collating photos from as many Junior School sporting events as possible. If Sporting Captains or parents have any photos, can they please pass them on via usb or email (t.jeanes-fraser@staidans.qld.edu).                 

Bus Travel to and from Ambiwerra – For Training
Please be reminded that for morning training sessions, girls should be dropped at the Ambiwerra sporting fields (Erinvale St, Corinda) by parents. At the end of the session, they will be transported to school on the school bus. In the afternoons, students will travel to Ambiwerra on the school bus (Kathleen St) and parents must collect them from the sporting fields at the designated time.

Eisteddfod Results
Congratulations to Mira Wang-Lee in Year 4 who has recently been awarded second place in the Grade 6 Piano Solo section and first place for the String Solo section at the Silkstone Eisteddfod. Well done Mira!!

Term 3 Recital
St Aidan’s AGS students are invited to perform in the Term Three Performing Arts Recital, held in the Auditorium on Thursday 29th August from 6.00pm – 7.00pm.

This concert is a wonderful opportunity for students to perform polished repertoire and to learn about performance etiquette.

This concert is strictly a one-hour event and the order is determined on the receipt of the permission form; as permission forms are submitted, students will be added to the concert order. If the hour concert order becomes full, any additional students will be asked to perform at a later Recital.

The order of performers will be published in the emailed newsletter in the week of the recital. Students are to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the start of the concert. All students should wear their blue school uniform to the performance.

All students must hand in the permission form no later than Friday 16th August – Forms are available from the private tutors. All forms are to be returned to Senior Staff Reception or music@staidans.qld.edu.au.

Additonally, piano accompaniment will be provided on the night and music must be handed in with the permission slip. No accompaniment will be available if music is not supplied by due date. The accompanist will be available for rehearsals immediately prior to the Recital from 4.45pm – 5.45pm.
Due to the potential length of recitals, we ask that students perform one item only for each study area.

Music Groups
All students are welcome to participate in the Music Ensembles on offer at St Aidan’s. Students need to have some proficiency on the instrument appropriate to the ensemble but all students are encouraged to sing in the choir! Any girl who is interested is encouraged to discuss their involvement with Dr Cuskelly j.cuskelly@staidans.qld.edu.au Ms Trott c.trott@staidans.qld.edu.au or Mrs Figliano s.figliano@staidans.qld.edu.au

Instrumental lessons in 2019
Don’t forget to complete the electronic private tuition form as soon as possible and return to us here at the school. Knowing which students are continuing with their lessons really assists in organising instruments, timetables and rooms. And of course, we are very keen to hear from any new students who are interested in learning an instrument. The link to the online enrolment form is as follows:
https://au1.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhA6JM5HtbLwCed2S0TO047YiiTGdXfRFLn2AQer-VgcswmKKHCGd4cE8SZZDkT29Eg*

Music Support Group
The St Aidan’s Music Support Group, made up of parents, students and staff, provides vital support to the school’s young musicians through its fundraising endeavours and its smooth organisation of concerts and other music events. The group regularly purchases much-needed instruments, music and other equipment, and also helps support other activities such as workshops and overseas tours.

The support group relies on the goodwill of parents to help with ticket sales, catering, publicity, and fundraising which are vital to the seamless running of concerts throughout the year. Meetings are scheduled for Monday evenings at 7:00pm in the Science and Technology Building meeting room (SG02). Please feel free to contact the group’s president, Paula Hodge, paula.hodge@bigpond.com if you have any questions, or if you would be willing to volunteer but are unable to attend regular meetings.

Year 4 Beginner Band
St Aidan’s has an outstanding Classroom Music Program, and the introduction of Every Day Music from Kindergarten to Year 3 means that students are not only immersed in music, but that they are developing an independent and sophisticated understanding of essential musical skills and knowledge for the level. It is clear to the classroom and music teachers that students are reaching musical benchmarks early and with greater competence. In an attempt to ensure that students receive every opportunity to learn a musical instrument, the students in Year 4 are invited to again be part of the Beginner Band Program at St Aidan’s. The Beginner Band lessons will occur weekly on Tuesdays during assembly time (12.40pm).

Rehearsal Schedule for 2019
In order to assist parents and students in planning, please see the rehearsal schedule for 2019. This schedule has been prepared in consultation with the Head of Sport and every effort has been made to minimise clashes. However, please bear in mind that there are usually a minimum of 2 sports training scheduled in any week and should there be a clash between a music rehearsal (offered once a week only) and a sport training students are to attend the musical rehearsal on the set day and attend the alternative sports training on the other.
Please click here for 2019 Rehearsal Schedule.

CHOIRS
• Ensemble Volar (auditioned)
• Chorale (Yrs 9-12)
• Children Crossing (Yrs 6-8)
• Junior Singers (Yrs 3-5)
• Community Choir (Semester Two only)

STRING ENSEMBLES
• Paganini Strings (AMEB Grade Five and above, auditioned)
• Corelli Strings (AMEB Grade Two and above)
• Chamber String Ensembles: Volar Strings, Allegro Strings, Arco Strings, Four Seasons Strings, Da Capo Strings (auditioned)
• Vivaldi Strings (Yrs 5-8)
• Dolce Strings (Yrs 2-4)
• Clementi Celli
• Beginner Strings Program
• Combined Orchestras (Symphonic Winds and Paganini Strings)

BAND ENSEMBLES
• Symphonic Winds (AMEB Grade Four and above)
• Con Brio Band (AMEB Grade Two and above)
• Taffanel Flutes (Yr 5 and above)
• Charma Band (Yrs 5-7)
• Back-beat Band (Yr 5 and above)
• Percussion Ensemble (Yr 5 and above)
• Taffanel Flutes (Senior Chamber Flute Choir)
• Yr 4 Beginner Band Program
• Yr 3 Beginner Band Preparation Program (Semester Two only)
• Combined Orchestras (Symphonic Winds and Corelli Strings)

2019 Music Calendar
Please click here for Term 3 Music Calendar. Changes and additions may be made throughout the year. Updates will be provided in the Newsletter.

The P&F Executives extends an invitation to all parents and friends to attend its next General Meeting to be held on Wednesday, 28 August 2019. The meeting will commence at 6.30pm and be held in S101, 1st Floor, S&T Centre.
Please come along and join the discussion on fundraising initiatives for the P&F. We look forward to seeing many at this meeting.