Schools Spectacular
Behind the scenes 2023 – digital display
The 2023 Fabulous Behind-the-scenes digital display features some of our most creative and innovative students and their work. We take pride in every student's contribution, celebrating individuality and artistic expression.
Acknowledgement of Country
Symphony Riley
Hunter School of The Performing Arts
I’m a proud Wiradjuri women from Dubbo, Wiradjuri meaning ‘people of the three rivers’, the Macquarie, Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee. My heritage/Culture comes from my dad’s side, Peter Riley. My mob are also from Wellington NSW on my Grandmother’s side (Towney’s and Stanley’s) who raised her kids on the Wellington Common. On my Grandfathers side (Riley’s) from Dubbo, we are related to Uncle Alexander Riley known as Tracker Riley, who was my great, great Grandfather’s uncle, the first Aboriginal person ranked as a Seargent in NSW Police Force.
I am currently the Vice President of the AECG at HSPA and a member of Milibah, where I learn traditional dance and culture of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Ollyvar Baker
Lithgow High School
I am a proud Wiradjuri man from the Lithgow area with heritage in the Ku-ring-gai area and I am performing with the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company. I completed my HSC this year including Music, Drama and Aboriginal Studies and have held the position of President of Junior AECG at Lithgow High school. I am excited to join the Army next year.
Aleasha Canino
Junee High School
I am a proud Wiradjuri and Biripi woman, living on Wiradjuri Country. I am proud to be able to represent my school and mobs through this experience. I hope to make my balumbambal – my ancient ones, proud.
Kendra Hall
Chertsey Primary School
My mum passed on knowledge of deaf and Aboriginal culture to me. Auslan is my first language and signing helps me access the world. When people talk to me I have to work hard at understanding what they are saying, even with my cochlear. I can understand so much more when people sign to me. At Chertsey all students and staff learn Auslan. I love when hearing people learn to sign to communicate with me.
Hannah Kitchener
Chertsey Primary School
My Aboriginal heritage comes from my grandfather and my dad. Growing up my dad would teach me and my siblings Bunjalung words. He also taught us about country. My culture is important part of who I am. Without my Aboriginal identity I would be a very different person. It is important to me to pass this knowledge and culture on to the next generation.
Ashton Mace
Armidale Secondary College
As a descendant of the Worimi and Anaiwan people, I am profoundly interested in learning more about the stories and history that surround my culture. Similarly, in my role as School captain I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with community and leading my peers. This is my fifth Schools Spectacular and it's my pleasure to be able to contribute to such a fabulous show.
Alfred Thomas
Erskineville Public School
Alfred Thomas is a proud Dharug Boorooberongal man, who lives and goes to school on Gadigal country at Erskineville Public School. Alfred maintains his cultural connection through dance at Brolga Dance Academy with Aunty Jodie Choolburra-Welsh located in Redfern. Alfred loves spending time in the bush and is lucky enough to have spent time doing a lap of Australia with his family in their 4WD and caravan.
Tribes
- Anaiwan
- Barkindji
- Biripi
- Boandik
- Bundjalung
- Dharawal
- Dharug
- Dunghutti
- Eora Mob
- Gamilaraay
- Gamilaroi
- Gumbaynggirr
- Gunditjmara
- Gundungurra
- Jerrinja tribe
- Kamilaroi
- Ngambri
- Noongar Wadandi
- Palawa
- Pitjantjatjara
- Wailwan
- Wiradjuri
- Worimi
- Worimi Biripi Nation, born and raised on Cammeraygal Country
- Yankunytjatjara
- Yuggera
- Yuin nation
- Yumaalaroi
- Yuwalayaay
Culturally Fabulous display
Delight in these 2 culturally fabulous performances presented by Canley Heights Public School, as they commemorate 40 years of the 2023 Schools Spectacular with us!
Fabulously designed
These examples of original artwear designs, showcase our students' unique talents and innovative approaches to design. We take pride in every student's contribution, celebrating individuality and artistic expression.
Tammi Chiem
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Livinia Crangle
Cheltenham Girls High School
Shanzay Dhedhi
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Natalie Gibbons
Cheltenham Girls High School
Sophie Harrison
Engadine High School
Vishisht Kalra
Northern Beaches Secondary College Freshwater Senior Campus
Barsa Karim
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Annabelle Levantard
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Cristle Muthupandi
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Cindy Nguyen
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Lucy Olsen
Murrumbateman Public SchoolSwathi Santhosh
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Imogen Woodford
Cheltenham Girls High School
Creative voices
The Creative Voice category allowed students to submit original musical compositions. Submissions were outstanding. Special mention was made of Ming Li, Monique Raso and Reuben Winkler whose work samples can be heard below.