CULTURAL NEWS
FROM THE LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
The Library Project - Vanuatu
Last year, we began building links with the Library Project, a Brisbane-based charity creating libraries for schools in Vanuatu. Recently, a small team of Senior students accompanied me to Brisbane to deliver our sorted book donations from Book Week last year, deliver our Bastille Day fundraising donation, and spend the day sorting books for their next library building mission. It was a big day, and after 5 hours of sorting books, we certainly had an idea of the bigger picture and how we can help moving forward. The Senior students did an incredible job, and there were many shared moments talking about books we loved and ones that were recommended, just demonstrating the power of reading and connection. We are looking forward to fundraising again this year during our Bastille Day and Book Week celebrations. Grammar servant leadership at its best – Félicitations les filled!
Donations for the Library Project are accepted at any time. If you have children’s books to donate that are in good condition, please just drop them into the Languages Office. Merci mille fois!
Japan Study Tour Information Evening
We look forward to welcoming students and their families attending the 2025 Japan Study Tour at our Information Evening on Thursday, 5 June, from 5:30 pm in the Lecture Theatre. This will be a valuable opportunity to share important details about the tour.
Preservice Teacher: Ms Miller
We have greatly enjoyed welcoming Ms Miller, a preservice teacher from UniSC, for her first professional placement. Over the past two weeks, she has enthusiastically observed and supported lessons across our Year 5 to 12 Japanese classes. We thank her for her contributions and wish her all the best in her studies and teaching career.
Language Opportunities
UQ’s IML (Institute of Modern Languages) program is offering a “beginner language bootcamp” for Language students in Years 7 and 8 over the September holidays. This course is designed to build students' cultural understanding whilst improving their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in an immersive environment.
Program details:
- Dates: 22 September -26 September 2025
- Years: 7-8 (non-background speaking students only)
- Languages on offer: French, German, Japanese, Spanish
- Delivery mode: Online (via Zoom)
- Day & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am- 10:30am
- Sessions run for a duration of 1hr30min daily over 5 consecutive days
- Cost: $220 per student (price inclusive of GST)
Enrolments close: 12 September 2025 Enrol now!
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.
Local Events: Brisbane French Festival 2025
Queensland’s biggest French event is back at South Bank this year from 4-6 July, celebrating its 15th year and is promising to be bigger and better than ever! Treat yourself to some raclette, pâtisseries, crêpes or a sneaky glass of “grand cru” with traditional music and live performances on stage. With vintage cars, a French market, a special kids corner, French artists and artisans, French culture masterclasses and live entertainment it is one not to miss for all Francophiles. Early bird tickets are now available (and under 12s are free). Tickets can be purchased here.
FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
A note from Ms Bradbury
Grammar Bel Fine Choir Shines at Sunshine Coast Purely Vocal Concert
Last Friday night, the Grammar Bel Fine Choir had the honour of performing at the Sunshine Coast Purely Vocal concert, a vibrant celebration of music, community and the joy of choral artistry.
Hosted by the talented Hot Ginger Chorus and held at the Coolum Civic Centre, the event brought together seven exceptional vocal groups from across the region.
Our Grammar Bel Fine Choir captivated the audience with a heartfelt and polished performance of three diverse and moving pieces: Blackbird, How Great His Love, and Apple Tree. Each song showcased the choir’s musical versatility, emotional depth, and strong sense of ensemble, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The evening was a true celebration of community spirit and vocal excellence, and it was a wonderful opportunity for our students to share the stage with other accomplished choirs and to be part of the wider choral community on the Sunshine Coast.
Congratulations to all the performers and a special thank you to Mrs Bowman for planning and hosting the event, as well as conducting the Bel Fine Choir, Mr Feletto for accompanying on piano and the organisers for making such an inspiring night possible!
A few weeks ago, at the start of May, some of my fellow musicians and I had the honour of being selected to partake in the State honours ensemble program, better known as SHEP. Overall, we had 11 Grammar students attend this workshop hosted by Griffith University. We had the honour of meeting with students and conductors from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and even Gin Gin.
Today I would like to tell you about my experience in the strings ensemble conducted by the incredible Loreta Fin, who is a string player, conductor and composer. Within one weekend, we did 16 hours jam-packed with music to create a performance for our parents on Sunday. On Friday, the strings looked at 11 amazing pieces. On Saturday, we chose our top six and prepared them for the performance on Sunday, which was such an incredible experience.
Overall, SHEP was a remarkable experience where my friends and I met some incredible musicians, played some incredible music and learnt so much.
Thank you!
SHEP participant list
|
First |
Surname |
Instrument |
|
Mia |
C |
Viola |
|
Hayley |
D |
Violin |
|
Charlotte |
E |
Vocal Soprano |
|
Cedar |
F |
Vocal Soprano |
|
Immogen |
K |
Clarinet |
|
Milla |
N |
Trombone |
|
Emma |
P |
Violin |
|
Sahana |
S |
Violin |
|
Kirra |
S |
Violin |
|
Bonnie |
V |
Vocal Soprano |
|
Georgina |
V |
Cello |
|
Anjalika |
V |
Violin |
A huge congratulations to Cedar F (Year 9), who was selected for a place in the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Australian Honours Ensemble Program 2025.
Grammar Guitars
Grammar Guitars has some available spots. If you have an interest and want to enrol, please click here.
Weekly Instrumental Music Specialist focus – Matt Home (Guitar)
Matt joined our music staff this year and has already made a strong impression with his engaging, student-focused approach to teaching guitar.
A passionate performer and songwriter, Matt specialises in acoustic arrangements and solo performance. He brings decades of experience in both live performance and education, helping students build strong technique, musicality and creative confidence.
Matt also directs our Guitar Ensemble and Grammar Guitars, creating a collaborative and exciting space for students to grow as musicians.
If you want to begin guitar lessons, please complete the enrolment form below. Private Music Lesson Enrolment Form Term 2
Upcoming Performances
Robyn Brown & The Indigo Collective!
Join us for a night of jazz, blues, swing, and soul, featuring special guests the Sunshine Coast Grammar Big Band, Phil Hayter, and Dr. Rob McWilliams.
The Grammar Stage Band will perform at Coolum Civic Centre next Saturday as part of the Jazz After Sunset concert, presented by Robyn Brown and The Indigo Collective.
Doors open at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm start. Allow time to check in and find your seats.
This is an event not to be missed, so be sure to secure your tickets here.
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.
Grammar Rox - Thursday 12 June
Join us at the Grammar Rainforest Cafeteria for our first Grammar Rox concert! Featuring all Rock Bands, this free event commences at 3:15 pm with a BBQ and snacks, thanks to our wonderful Music Support Group.
Victoria Bradbury
Director of Music Performance