CULTURAL NEWS
FROM THE LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
France Tour 2026 – Parent Information Session
We are excited to announce that approval has been granted for a study/exchange Tour to France in 2026 for eligible students currently studying French in Year 9 and 10. Please take the time to read further details about this opportunity in the letter attached.
To assist you in your final decision-making, a France Tour 2026 Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 11 March 2025 at 6:00 pm in the Lecture Theatre. Following the meeting, please return the France Tour Expression of Interest (a link will be shared at the meeting and afterwards via GECO), by no later than Friday 21 March. Please be aware that by submitting the France Tour EOI you are confirming that your son/daughter is committed to participating in the Tour. Unfortunately, applications received after the deadline may not be successful.
We look forward to seeing you at the meeting on Tuesday 11 March and would highly recommend interested parents and students to attend the session.
Language Ambassador Spotlight - 2025
In Week 3, we were proud to present our 2025 Language Ambassadors with their badges on assembly. Find out more about our French Ambassadors Ruby and Lily; and Japanese Ambassadors Olivia and Toby in their Ambassador profiles below.
Club Bla Bla is back!
Club Bla Bla offers any students currently studying French in Tear 9 – 12 the opportunity to practice their language skills in a relaxed and authentic way. Already students have been finding out about the tradition of la fête des rois (Epiphany) and sharing an authentic galette des rois as part of the celebration. Students can join Mme Rose on Friday lunchtime in S7 for an opportunity to use their French beyond the curriculum!
Japanese Assistant Language Teacher
Our Japanese classes made the most of the opportunity to learn with Takemoto Sensei during her Pre-service placement with Di Pietra and Sudoh Sensei. She visited many classrooms and joined our weekly Japan Club, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every session. As her time with us at Sunshine Coast Grammar School comes to an end, she shares her reflections on this experience. We thank Takemoto Sensei for her dedication and wish her all the best as she continues on her journey to become an English teacher in Japan.
- What have you observed to be the biggest difference between Japanese Schools and Australian Schools?
I think the biggest difference is student independence. Teachers in this school always communicate with students, not only in class but also in many other situations. Moreover, students and teachers have casual conversations when they pass each other. There is nothing like this in Japan. I think this environment gives students a feeling of independence and worth.
- What do you hope to incorporate into your teaching practices when you return to Japan?
When considering educational methods, I would like to incorporate positive behaviour management. This is because I believe that in addition to encouraging students to be more active, it also creates a more responsive class. At the same time, I can aim for an active learning attitude.
- What have you enjoyed the most while at Sunshine Coast Grammar School?
There is a good atmosphere among students and teachers, and they greet me when I pass by. Short communication brings me the most joy every day.
Host family request for visiting French students– Term 3 2025
In Term 3, we will be welcoming 25 students and three accompanying teachers from Aurillac, France as part of our sister school arrangement with ELO and are seeking interested families to host a French student. Families with students currently studying French in Years 9 and 10 with the intention to participate in the 2026 France Tour will be given first preference, although all students throughout Secondary studying French are invited to apply.
Any students wishing to participate in the France Tour in 2026 should be reminded that there is an expectation of them to host. Please read the attached letter carefully and complete the hosting application via the link provided below, by Friday 14 March. Please note that whilst Blue Cards are necessary, these do not have to be obtained prior to submitting the form.
Reminder: Individual French Exchange Applications closing soon
A reminder that applications for individual exchanges to our sister school in France during Semester 2, 2025 (or early 2026) for students currently studying French in Year 10 or 11, are closing soon, and must be received by Mrs Richardson by no later than Monday 3 March 2025. Applications for exchanges submitted after this date may not be considered due to time restrictions in finding suitable host families.
FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Music Camp
Last Friday afternoon, Grammar Music students boarded the bus to Mapleton for the 2025 Music Camp. This included keen young musicians from Years 6 to 12 who are a part of the string, symphonic, guitar, vocal or rock ensembles. After unpacking the equipment from the trailer, the students split off into groups for their first symphonic/choir rehearsal. The repertoire involved pieces that will be performed throughout 2025 at events such as ANZAC Day and Foundation Day, allowing some much-needed practice to prepare for the year.
As it was Valentine's Day on Friday, our first dinner (in the amazingly pink, decorated, love-heart-filled Food Hall) was on theme, and even had some formal dresses and suits! After a brief, energetic rock band rehearsal, everyone met in Kirkwood Hall for the first night of Music Captain games. We played a song/prop/dance game, a reoccurring music camp favourite, and then a high-stakes game of musical chairs. We then sang our hearts out to our self-written love songs to finish the night.
Saturday was our main rehearsal day, with students working with their ensembles to really sink their teeth into the new music we were given. After lunch, students were given free time where we could unwind by the pool or jam out with one of our phenomenal rock bands. That night was full of more fun activities organised by the Music Captains, with team trivia and just dance being the highlight for both staff and students.
On the third and final day, students practiced their songs with their ensembles before the concert. The concert then took place after morning tea with all groups playing a number of songs with a range of genres from rock by the rock bands to some classical by the strings ensembles, then modern pop and jazz by the stage band. Overall, all groups put in tremendous effort and by the end of camp they were able to perform the songs to a performance level.
2025 Music Captains - Eve, Julian, Billy & Tulsa
Grammys at Grammar
Make a glamorous entrance down the red carpet!
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and friendly competition at our Grammy-themed School Music Trivia Night! Test your knowledge of legendary artists, iconic hits, and unforgettable Trivia across the decades. Whether you're a fan of pop, rock, rap, or classical, there's something for every music lover with our House DJ.
Bring your friends, form your team, and see if you have what it takes to take home the Grammy for "Trivia Champions"! Dress to impress and don’t miss out on the music, the prizes, and the chance to show off your star-studded knowledge.
A cash bar is available on the night. Please note this is an 18+ event.
Catering included - enjoy pizza and grazing boards!
All profits go to aiding our Primary & Secondary music students with their performances in 2025.
Date: Saturday 15 March
Time: 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Grammar Hall
Tickets: $60 per person or a table of 10 for $500. Tickets are available via Events Online.
Victoria Bradbury
Director of Music Performace