On Wednesday 30^th November, Prospect High School held ‘The Arts Work’ – an Arts evening designed to celebrate the amazing work that our students have been doing in Dance, Drama, Music, and the Visual Arts this year.

The evening began with a gallery walk at 5pm, where guests were able to view visual artworks from students in grades 7-10. Ranging in medium from chalk, pastel and pencil, right through to paint, multimedia and ceramics, there was a wide variety of pieces to explore. In true gallery opening style, the event was also catered by Mrs McMahon’s catering class, who, as always, provided fantastic fare. These students also worked in conjunction with her textiles students to hold a successful market stall. At 5:30pm, guests were invited to step into the Drama/Dance room and enjoy a sit-down spectacular of performance pieces.

The performance section of the evening featured students performing both solo and small group musical items, dance pieces, scripted scenes, and self-devised works. The evening was a great opportunity to draw together pieces and performers who have represented our school throughout the year in events, such as the Launceston Competitions and the Rock Challenge. We do not always get to see the accomplishments of our students in their different areas, and the ‘The Arts Work’ provided just this opportunity.

Of particular note was the spirit of positivity, enthusiasm and support amongst the students. Backstage and onstage students worked together to set and clear staging, help build skills and boost confidence and to cheer each other on. The same can be said of the works in the gallery where students enjoyed seeing the work of their peers on display and eagerly requested that the displays remain after the event. This was fantastic. There are so many individual students who deserve a mention – from stepping up to introduce their pieces, to taking on the responsibility for technical aspects, to coordinating others and attending extra rehearsals; it was a wonderful effort.

All of the arts students must be congratulated for their dedication and hard work, but also on the high level of skill demonstrated by so many. In addition to this, we must also recognise and thank Ms DePaoli and the incoming SLB for their assistance running the evening, as well as our amazing ancillary staff who we would be lost without. We would also like to thank PHS staff and leadership who supported this event by their warm wishes, offers of help, enabling students to attend extra rehearsals and by attending on the night. Thank you all for your contribution to the evening’s success.

Finally, a big thank you must also be extended to our visiting guests and family members – it was a pleasure to be able to celebrate the work of the students with you.

The Arts Teaching Team