Culture

St John Fisher College believes that a girl’s involvement in cultural activities contributes towards the well-rounded education we endeavour to provide for each student. Queensland Studies Authority courses are conducted in Drama, Visual Arts in Practice and Music and since 2004 the Senior Drama Course Production has been a collaborative project with the boys from St. Patrick’s College. Girls also have the opportunity to further their study in these areas through a variety of TAFE and further vocational pathways. 

Girls entering the College in any year level from Year 7 to 12 have the opportunity of participating in the College Instrumental Music program. Tuition is offered in Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Strings, Piano and Guitar. This tuition equips them to join one or more of the fine music groups available at St John Fisher. Girls have the opportunity to be a member of our Concert Band, String Ensemble and our Drum Corps, who perform at a variety of events and competitions, including the EKKA and the QLD Catholic Schools Music Festival. 

Public Speaking and Debating have been strongly supported in the College for many years and astute coaching of the many talented girls has frequently resulted in competition victory in Queensland Debating Union (Q.D.U.), PLAIN English Speaking, Rostrum and Lions Youth of the Year events.

Exclusive to the College are the annual St John Fisher Day celebrations, where students are encouraged to express their ‘House’ motto and identity through performance. This year, McAuley House created a haunted house to explain their motto of courage and bravery, with Bridgeman House using the theme of pirates to communicate a message of persistence.

 

Embracing cultural diversity and individuality is another way the College’s creative spirts are displayed with a range of performance groups, such as the Polynesian and Punjabi dance groups as well as Umbarra Indigenous group who entertain crowds at various school and community events, with student-led choreography and costume design.

The cultural highlight of the annual calendar is Illuminaré, usually held in October, the event is a celebration of Arts and provides the opportunity for the whole school to participate. Showcasing the array of College talent through performances of music, dance and drama and a display of student artwork, Illuminare is a wonderful evening for parents and the wider community to enjoy.

‘Shake N Stir's Shakespeare Festival’ (with categories of dance, acting, photography, costume design, film, music), ‘Dance Squad’, ‘Write a Book in a Day’, ‘Scribblers’ (creative writing group) ‘Studio 27’ (lunch time art club) and Theatresports are some of the many activities where students are offered a creative outlet in which to foster and share their talents.

The Sister Act Competition is the annual Talent Quest showcasing individual and group performances. The winners are showcased at Illuminare, the annual College cultural showcase evening. 

Girls are encouraged to join the School Choir, which has a tradition of entertaining the community and significantly contributes to the spiritual life of the College through their involvement in various Masses, Liturgies and Celebrations.

The College, in conjunction with students from St Patrick's College, also present a major musical production biennally, proving a great opportunity to collaborate talent across schools. Past musicals include, The Wedding Singer, Comp Rock and High School Musical. For girls who want to be involved without performing, the College offers a 'Tech Crew', providing the opporutnity to learn skills in technical theatre, sound, lighting and media. The Tech Crew are an integral part of the cultural team, running college assemblies, functions and events as well as performances, concerts and special presentations.

 

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