Students lead the way with performance and heart on their sleeves
As a hub for the performing arts, The McDonald College students continue to lead the way in promoting open conversations and supporting mental health causes with the power of the arts.
The McDonald College prefects recently hosted an unforgettable night of performances, shining a spotlight on mental wellbeing and emotional authenticity while raising funds for Heart On My Sleeve, a non-profit organisation dedicated to this crucial cause.
The event was a resounding triumph, featuring a charitable sale of food, snacks, and goods, accompanied by both silent and live auctions, and ticket sales that contributed to the cause.
The community rallied together, showcasing overwhelming support for the Heart On My Sleeve Movement.
Darren Moglia, director at Heart on My Sleeve, expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “What an incredible school and an amazing group of prefects!”
“Thank you to The McDonald College for leading the way in having open conversations about mental health,” he said.
Emma King, the school captain, reflected on her experience:
“The prefects’ concert was a rewarding and exciting learning experience,” she said. “Working towards this large-scale concert with the prefect team taught us valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, communication, and gave us a new-found appreciation for the performing arts faculty at the college.
Despite its challenges, the lessons we learned will stay with us, translating to our personal lives and future leadership roles. Seeing our hard work come to life on the night was a bonus!”
Generous donations from local businesses, families, and larger organisations fuelled the success of the night, which featured an incredible atmosphere and outstanding performances from students across the school.
As a hub for the performing arts, The McDonald College hosts numerous professional productions throughout the year. However, student-led fundraisers, where students choose a charity to support and organise their concert independently, hold a special place in the college’s heart, bringing community together and highlighting student-relevant causes.
With fundraisers such as this, The McDonald College students continue to lead the way in promoting open conversations and supporting mental health causes with the power of the arts.
FACT FILE
WHO WE ARE
The McDonald College is an independent, non-denominational, coeducational K-12 school in North Strathfield. We specialise in performing arts and elite sports, with an equal focus on academic rigour.
Our programs include acting, classical ballet, commercial dance, senior contemporary dance, music, musical theatre, technical production, elite tennis, and rhythmic gymnastics and are integrated into a regular school day. We also offer an extensive after hours program.
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
We are truly a one-of-a-kind school. What makes us stand out is that we focus on academic education as much as performance. Our students benefit from vast industry experience of our faculty and high-level productions with our own technical team and costume department.
PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES
Students are offered many opportunities to perform and compete throughout the year, including at our High Performance Season, An Evening of Classical Ballet, major productions and various tournaments, showcases, plays, tennis competitions and more.
PARTNERSHIPS
Our unique partnerships with Sydney Dance Company and Voyager Tennis Academy offer our students pathways to the future with pre-professional training.
ALUMNI
We count among our alumni Nikki Webster (star of the Sydney Olympics, singer), Tim Draxl (actor), Dimity Clancey (TV journalist), Meg Mac (singer-songwriter), Bojana Novakovic (Logie nominated actor) and Emma Watkins (former Wiggle). Our dance alumni include Lachlan Monaghan, principal dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Harrison Lee, an artist with The Royal Ballet (London).
BOARDING
We provide full-time and casual co-ed boarding for years 7 – 12. Our strong community values and holistic guidance create close family-like relationships.
OPEN DAYS AND AUDITIONS
Visit mcdonald.nsw.edu.au for more information
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