Year 5/6 teacher Ella Barbary and assistant principal Eva Brennan are the dynamic duo behind one of the long standing traditions at Shepparton East.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A decade long tradition of sending students to Melbourne to participate in the Victorian State School Spectacular is what keeps Shepparton East in the spotlight.
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And one that has become a much-loved part of school life.
The program is spearheaded by the double Bs, Year 5/6 teacher Miss Barbary and the school’s assistant principal Mrs Brennan.
They co-ordinate rehearsals, teach dance routines and lyrics, and prepare students to perform as part of the spectacular’s mass choir on the big stage at John Cain Arena.
The school’s involvement in the event grew out of the strength of its long-standing performing arts curriculum.
“It’s an extension of that, the school took a group of students that were interested, so now it’s just become part of our program,” Miss Barbary said.
The program is available for students from Year 4 to 6, with many that join in Year 4 staying involved for the rest of their time at the school.
Growing in popularity over the decade, there are now about 17 students who participate with expressions of interest sent out through the school newsletter.
“It’s volunteer based on the students and the commitment they need to make to it,” Miss Barbary said.
The spectacular is an annual event in Shepparton East’s calendar, usually occurring around the end of August.
It brings together 20 to 30 schools from right across Victoria and more than 1000 students make up the mass choir, and that’s where our students shine.
And then get to see their faces on TV when the event is televised at the end of the year.
“It’s a pretty big thing,” Miss Barbary said.
Preparation begins about four months out, when the school receives a list of the songs to learn.
Then, a VSSS representative visits the school twice during that period to support students with their parts, alongside their regular rehearsals at school.
For Miss Barbary, the value of the program goes beyond performance.
“You might not be the sportiest kids, or thrive in a classroom environment, but this provides an avenue to pursue an interest that they prefer,” she said.
“It’s important for students to be able to express themselves, and music is so important to some of the students that they can really show who they are.”
It’s a simple reminder that whether on the biggest stage in the state or in the school hall at home, Shepparton East’s love of performing is a tradition well worth celebrating.
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