The ARTS are very much valued at Fitzgerald State School. We offer a variety of in school and after school extra-curricular activities that students are able to participate in.
Fitzgerald Spectacular
'Spectacular' … something which is brilliant and worthy of public acclaim.
For many years now, Fitzgerald State School has held its very own school spectacular concert in which all year levels participate.
Each year level from Prep to Year 5, collaboratively plan a spectacular item with the school dance and drama specialist who produces, practises and prepares students to perform at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre in November of every year.
Our Year 6 students perform an entire musical consisting of acting, singing and dancing, written by current and previous music and drama teachers. Rehearsals are held during school hours and after school. The performance is always first class and involves most of our Year 6 students.
The performance evenings also show case other extra-curricular activities run within the school such as Drama Group and Wakakirri.
Drama Group
Drama Group is an extra-curricular activity that the students in Years 5 and 6 are given the opportunity to participate in. This group, who meet one lunchtime per week, extends their knowledge and skills in Drama through games and improvisation activities and helps to provide self-confidence and team building skills in a fun and reassuring setting. Students can choose to audition for a speaking part or become part of the supporting chorus who speak and act together in a group.
The major performances in which the Drama Group are involved in, include community performances such as the Mackay Eisteddfod and the Fitzgerald Spectacular and during school parades.
Wakakirri
Wakakirri is a nationwide Festival for Australian schools that provides a platform for students to express their thoughts, ideas and aspirations through the art of storytelling and dance. Inspired by the belief that great stories can inspire change, Wakakirri, is designed to promote student engagement and well-being in schools through the creation and performance of captivating Story-Dances.
Fitzgerald State School has been participating in the festival for over 20 years!
Students from Year 4, 5 and 6 are invited to sign up to participate. They rehearse twice a week, before and after school during Terms One and Two. Our talented teachers, along with the students create a 3-7 minute story dance that is video recorded and submitted to Wakakirri.
In 2024, the Fitzgerald State School video submission received a National Award for their performance entitled Salt meets Sand. (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=salt+meets+sand).
Students also perform the Wakakirri Story Dance in our Fitzgerald Spectacular at the end of the year.