CULTURAL NEWS
FROM THE LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Japanese Children’s Day celebration
Alumni visit – Mia Levings
On the last day of last term, we were thrilled to welcome back past student Mia Levings to talk to some of our French classes about her experiences as a French learner. Mia shared her journey as a French student at Grammar from Year 4, her decision to undertake a six-month exchange to Aurillac in Year 10 and how this ended up shaping her study and career pathway. Enrolled upon graduation to study law at UQ, she decided that the timing was not quite right and undertook a role as an au pair for a family in the south of France. Having decided to remain in France, she then undertook a degree in Fashion Management in Paris at a private university before successfully completing her Masters in French. Her internships with flagship companies such as Maison Michel (part of Chanel), Yves Salomon and Nina Ricci led to her recently securing her current permanent position in Business Development with Louis Vuitton in Paris.
There were certainly plenty of questions from the students about Mia’s pathway and current role and we are excited to see her involvement with the launch of the new cosmetics line come to fruition at its launch later this year.
We are incredibly grateful for Mia giving up her family holiday time to join us and can’t wait to meet up again next year when we are in Paris. Bravo Mia!
Japanese Children’s Day 2025 “Arigatou gozaimasu!”
Last Friday, our school came alive with the colour, rhythm and joy of Japanese culture during our annual Japanese celebration day. The theme for 2025 was festivals, and our event was titled - Gura Gura Matsuri – delivered just that! From a vibrant assembly that transported our audience to a Japanese street festival to exciting lunchtime activities and delicious hot ramen in Secondary, the day was bursting with cultural experiences.
A huge thanks to our amazing music department for their dynamic contributions. We also applaud our Language Ambassadors, Liv and Toby, for their creativity, leadership and enthusiasm both in the lead-up and on the day. Finally, we are immensely proud of the entire Senior Japanese class of 2025, who brought 100% energy, from dressing up and dancing at assembly to coordinating a wide variety of activities across the school!
Anzac Day
During our school’s annual ANZAC Day Assembly, our French and Japanese Ambassadors joined in laying wreaths, paying tribute not only to those who served but also the lasting friendships now shared between Australia, France and Japan. Lest we forget.
LTQ Writing Competition (Primary and Secondary)
The Sunshine Coast Branch of LTQ are running a writing competition for students currently studying a second language at school. Entries are due by Wednesday, 11 June to Mme Richardson (French) and Di Pietra Sensei (Japanese). Unfortunately, submissions received after this time may not be considered for submission.
EP Language Championships (Secondary)
The annual EP International Languages Championships launched this week. This online competition allows students to enhance their language skills, learn a new language while competing with students from around the world. Grammar students are off to a strong start! The competition concludes on Tuesday, 13 May with prizes for Top students in all year levels and languages.
French Host Family Meeting: Week 5
There will be an important meeting for all Year 9, 10 and 11 families hosting a student from Aurillac in Term 3 on Tuesday, 20 May in the Lecture Theatre at 6pm. Students are encouraged to attend (in uniform) with their parents.
FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
A note from Ms Bradbury
Last Thursday evening, the hangar was filled with the melodious sounds of our talented music scholars. The concert featured high-level performances, with students showcasing their skills accompanied by Mrs Lisa Pirlo and assisted by Mr Eastwood. The event was a delightful experience, starting with a lovely afternoon tea that set the perfect tone for the evening.
Our Year 3 Strings Immersion and Year 5 Band Immersion programs are in full swing, with students diligently preparing for their upcoming open rehearsals. Mark your calendars for June 3rd for the Band Immersion and June 6th for the Strings Immersion, where our young musicians will present their progress on their new instruments.
Stay tuned for a full schedule of upcoming performances and events. Our full music events calendar with updates is published on our GECO page.
ANZAC Day
The Bel Canto Choir delivered a stirring and heartfelt performance at the Mooloolaba Dawn Service on ANZAC Day, moving the gathered crowd with powerful renditions of the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, as well as traditional hymns. Their harmonious voices echoed across the morning stillness, capturing the solemn pride and deep respect of the occasion. The community was deeply touched, with many expressing gratitude for a performance that honoured the spirit of ANZAC with grace, emotion, and unity. Thank you to all performers who were up at 3am to be there on time, to Mr Feletto for accompanying and to all parent volunteers who were there to ensure all the students were ready and prepared for the performance.
Keyboard Club and Grammar Guitars have some available spots. If you have an interest and want to enrol, please Click Here.
Weekly Instrumental Music Specialist focus – Peter Atkins (Percussion & Drums):
Peter has been an invaluable member of our team for over a year, significantly enriching our percussion program. His work has sparked a strong interest in drumming among our students, leading to impressive skill development and increased group cohesion.
With his diverse background and deep understanding of rhythm, Peter enhances the learning experience for everyone involved.
He actively contributes to our Year 5 percussion program, making each week's sessions memorable and interactive for our students.
Fun fact about Peter: "The Clave is both a rhythm and an instrument!"
If you want to begin drum lessons, please complete the enrolment form.
Upcoming Performances
Bel Fine Choir To Perform at Sunshine Coast Purely Vocal!
We’re excited to announce that members of the Bel Fine Choir will be performing this Friday, 9 May at the Coolum Civic Centre as part of ‘Sunshine Coast Purely Vocal’ — a special concert celebrating the incredible talent of local choirs and vocal groups.
Bel Fine Choir is Sunshine Coast Grammar School’s premier auditioned secondary choral ensemble. Under the direction of Mrs Kirsten Bowman and accompanied by Mr Denis Feletto, this talented group of singers showcases a love for music through rich harmonies and a diverse repertoire spanning a range of genres and styles.
Don't miss out on this enchanting performance! Tickets are available here.
The Large Ensemble Showcase - 30 May
This month, the Music Department is holding its annual Large Ensemble showcase, and we would be delighted if you could attend! Our Music Support Group will have a stall, and all ensemble groups will perform to foster a sense of community and enjoyment of music within our school.
Victoria Bradbury
Director of Music Performance