Term 3 kicked off with a bang for the Creative and Performing Arts Department! 

Last week our Stage 5 Music and Drama students travelled to Newcastle to experience the outstanding work of the ASPIRE program - an initiative that showcases the talents of students across the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese.  ASPIRE offers a wide range of workshops and performance opportunities for young creatives our students had the privilege of seeing the original 2025 musical production The Rise of The Bozz. 

Written by Artistic Director Anna Kerrigan, The Rise of The Bozz is set in a dystopian future where emotions are suppressed and conformity is strictly enforced.  Featuring over 150 student performers - including dancers, singers, actors, and musicians - the production was remarkable for both its scale and professionalism.  It powerfully demonstrated the depth of talent within the Diocese and left a lasting impression on our Music and Drama students. 

The production also showcased exceptional design elements - from imaginative costumes and dynamic lighting to inventive staging - highlighting the many collaborative aspects of the performing arts.  It was an inspiring excursion that celebrated creativity, teamwork, and the transformative power of performance. 

Mrs Marion Johnson
Drama/English Teacher  

Spotlight on Talent:  Shayla Potts and Anayah Wetere-Smith Shine in ASPIRE’s The Rise of Bozz 

Shayla Potts & Anayah Wetere-Smith 

This year’s ASPIRE production, The Rise of Bozz, captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling, vibrant performances, and unforgettable music.  Among the talented cast were two outstanding students, Shayla Potts and Anayah Wetere-Smith, whose dedication and passion brought energy and authenticity to the stage. 

Shayla and Anayah were cast in the vocal ensemble of the 2025 production, contributing not only their vocal and acting skills but also their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the production process. 

Participation in ASPIRE is a significant achievement, offering students the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, develop performance skills, and build lasting friendships.  Shayla and Anayah’s involvement is a testament to their hard work and love for the performing arts. 

Their journey through The Rise of Bozz was memorable and we look forward to seeing where their talents will take them next.  Congratulations to Shayla and Anayah on a fantastic performance and for representing our school with pride and excellence! 

Mrs Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning

St Clare’s Students Shine in Prestigious National Art School Program

We are thrilled to announce that four of our talented Year 11 Visual Arts students - Molly Trotter, Ramona Ljumanovic, Nina Davy, and Jamieson Neal - have been accepted into the highly competitive National Art School HSC Studio Intensive Program in Sydney. 

This prestigious program offers senior students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a two-week studio experience, working alongside practicing artists and educators in a professional art school environment with the course culminating in an exhibition of the students work.  It’s designed to deepen their understanding of Contemporary art practices and refine their technical skills in preparation for the HSC. 

During the first part of the course, Molly, Nina and Jamieson explored a range of techniques within the expressive form of ceramics whilst Ramona explored a range of techniques within the expressive form of painting.  Each student was encouraged to push creative boundaries and develop their individual artistic voice. 

Reflecting on their experience, the students shared how inspiring it was to be surrounded by like-minded peers and mentors who challenged and supported them. 

Here are some comments about their experiences: 

Ramona Ljumanovic: 

The HSC intensive program at the National Art school in Sydney, is a great experience for all artistic students. I have just finished a week away in central Sydney to study painting.  This was a great week which gave me insight to a Uni style life, as I attended university lectures, experienced talented artists around me whilst creating my own pieces of art in an art studio. 

During the day I would attend the Uni program, and during the night I would experience Sydney night life with activities such as the winter festival, late night shopping at the CBD, the night art gallery opening, eating out each night, and visiting word wide famous sites such as the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

I was accepted into the full scholarship which meant my accommodation/boarding was fully paid for.  The accommodation was great, my friends and I shared a room, and we made new friends from the hostel, allowing us to attend the boarding activities together. 

All over this was a great experience, I learnt a lot as well as having a great time with my friends and the people I had met.  Another plus is that it is amazing to have the course on your HSC Certificate.  I am excited to return this September for the second module of the program. 

If you love art and are considering attending in the coming years, I would highly recommend it!    

Molly Trotter: 

I elected to study the ceramics program at the NAS Studio Intensive Course.  I have found that it is a great opportunity to really immerse myself in a practical studio environment and what is like to experience what studying at the National Art School could be like.  I think this is an amazing experience for future students looking to have a creative career.  Getting to learn varied skills and bounce ideas with other like-minded students attending the course really makes it enjoyable.  Learning different techniques when working with the clay has allowed me to build confidence and deepened my understanding of the medium.  Overall, I think this is a great experience and would recommend to anyone looking to captivate themselves in an exceptional practical course.  

Jamieson Neal: 

The National Art School Intensive Studio Practice is a great experience where we were taught so many new skills and were exposed to what life looks like beyond school.  I am practicing ceramics, and our teacher gave us full creative freedom to make whatever ceramic we desired, helping us along the way with her vast knowledge in ceramics. 

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in art, no matter what practice you’re interested it.  The program opens so many new doors into the art world and if you’re interested in studying art after school, I would highly recommend this program. 

I was able to spend a whole week in Sydney where our supervisors took us to many great spots around the city, where we could experience life outside of Taree.  I met so many new people, made so many new friends and learnt so many new things. 

I am excited to go back in September, and I recommend future Year 11 Visual Arts students to apply! 

Nina Davy: 

The HSC Intensive Studio Practice Program at the National Art School in Sydney is an incredible experience for creative and artistic students.  I was fortunate to be accepted into the program on a full scholarship, which covered both the cost of the program and accommodation. 

The first week gave me a taste of university life, attending lectures, participating in hands-on practical work, and fully immersing myself in the studio environment.  I was placed in the ceramics workshop, where I worked daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, with a one-hour lunch break. 

Overall, this is a really great experience, and I’m excited to return this September to finish off my ceramic work. 

We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication, creativity and courage to pursue excellence in the arts.  Their participation in the National Art School HSC Studio Intensive Program is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the strength of the Visual Arts program here at St Clare’s. 

We look forward to seeing how this experience continues to shape their artistic journeys and inspire others in our school community. 

Mrs Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning  

Celebrating Artistic Excellence: Local Student Shines as Finalist in Prestigious UNESAP Art Competition 

A wave of pride has swept through the Creative Arts department as talented student, Myra Gupta, was named a finalist in the 2025 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize (UNESAP) "Let’s Hang It!" Competition, hosted by the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM). 

There were over 500 entries submitted from 46 schools across regional New South Wales, and Myra’s artwork stood out to the judge for its storytelling quality and technical refinement, earning a coveted spot in the final exhibition.  This year, 59 finalists were selected across four categories: Infants, Primary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary. 

Finalist’s work was professionally hung and showcased at NERAM in Armidale, with the exhibition running from 25 July through to 10 August.

I was fortunate to attend the opening night, which was held on Friday 25 July, which was a celebration of young artistic talent from across the region.  Each finalist received recognition for their achievement, with their artwork displayed for public viewing in a professional gallery setting. 

The UNESAP competition, now in its 31^st year, continues to foster a love for the visual arts among young people and provides a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition and confidence in their creative abilities.  I highly recommend more students getting involved in this wonderful artistic opportunity in 2026. 

This achievement not only highlights Myra’s artistic talent but also reflects the supportive environment cultivated by educators and families who encourage creativity and self-expression.  Congratulations to all the finalists, and especially to our local star, whose work now hangs proudly among the region’s best. 

Mrs Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning