Term three started and concluded with lively celebrations of the visual and performing arts at St Hilda’s. Sings Hilda and Kapa Haka both performed beautifully for our open afternoon and evening at the start of term, as did Helena Fitzgerald and Sarah Lee, both providing ambient piano music for the event. As always our Arts Prefects did an excellent job of sharing their enthusiasm for the Arts with all visiting girls and their families. Our high energy arts assembly on the last Tuesday of term was a brilliant opportunity for the whole school to enjoy the live performances of hip hop and fitness teams after outstanding achievements at national competitions the previous weekend.

On the last Thursday of term our Music Matinee provided a lovely opportunity for Nga Korimako, Sings Hilda and the St Hilda’s Orchestra to perform for friends, family and staff. As both House Singing and a choral concert in the cathedral were events that had to be cancelled earlier this term after already having been rescheduled, we have certainly come to cherish the live performance opportunities we have.

With the move to level two part way through the term students were understandably disappointed that we were not able to attend the regional Hip Hop competition in Invercargill due to the logistical challenges of achieving a safe and enjoyable event within level two protocols. Filming of routines enabled students to be considered for the national finals in Wellington. Several crews made it through and the trip to Wellington with Rachel McMillan and James Sutherland was a huge success! The year 7 and 8 crew ‘Purpose’ won a gold medal in their section. Senior crew ‘Vivid’ placed 5th overall and senior crew ‘Elusive’ placed 3rd overall. A lot of work went into ensuring this event could run smoothly and I am sure memories of the weekend in Wellington will be considered a highlight of the year for many participants.

In the visual arts we have celebrated success this term. Charlotte Revelry was awarded the Otago Polytech ‘Celebrate Art’ award and has been given a scholarship to study at Otago Polytech next year. Georgie Jessop also received a certificate of excellence for her photography in the same competition. Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori this year concluded with a well supported chalk art activity in the quad. Students have had success in the Shakespeare Festival this term, with some very entertaining scenes coming out of this competition. Imogen Irvine received an award for Best Overall Design, and Shreya Das received an award for Most Imaginative Reimagined Scene. St Hilda’s singers and musicians have also done well this term in changed circumstances with success in individual singing competitions, as well as participating in RockQuest and Chamber Music. Students have shown agility and creativity in adapting as necessary to the video submission format for many of these activities.

Our artist of the term for term three is Lucie Holtz. Arts Prefects Trinity and Anna filmed an interview with Lucie at the Dunedin Ice Skating rink where Lucie shared her love of ice skating and gave Trinity and Anna some skating tips. It was great to get an insight into Lucie’s training and to see Trinity and Anna’s excellent journalistic skills in action!