TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TOWN HIGH SCHOOL We build for the future Visitors look over New Town High Boys bank on butterfly effect AN adaptation of The Butterfly Ball will be staged at New Town High School from November 19-21, involving more than 60 students and staff. The Butterfly Ball was originally a short skit that featured widely on ABC television in the 1970s and has since been adapted for theatre. “We chose The Butterfly Ball because it’s not a traditional musical and it’s very hard to find a musical that just includes boys,” head of drama Tony Soszynski said. An intensive after-school and weekend rehearsal schedule has ensured the cast and crew will be ready to deliver a high-quality show from opening night. New Town High has been staging musicals for more than 60 years. The first, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, was performed in 1948. The musical enjoyed a resurgence with the likes of Oliver! (1995), Treasure Island (1997) and Ned Kelly (2001). In 2013, Mr Soszynski revived the tradition by directing a production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. This was a resounding hit and Mr Soszynski hopes to build on that success with The Butterfly Ball. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and are available from the school office or by phoning 6278 0400. Story and photo by Harrison Cock DRAMA: Alex Beswick, Daniel Harper, Will Smith, Samuel McGown and Joseph Bangura prepare for the school production of The Butterfly Ball. School band hits the road JACK WOOLCOCK THIRTY-FIVE students from New Town High recently completed a four-day tour of the North-West Coast. The late September tour provided participating students with the opportunity to perform for and work with members of other schools’ musical groups. The busy schedule included visits to Latrobe, Devonport and Ulverstone high schools as well as Deloraine Primary School. The touring party consisted of five performing groups: the guitar ensemble, brass ensemble, saxophone ensemble, combined concert band and stage band. Music teacher Catherine Morris organised the trip in order to give students the opportunity to perform to fresh and unfamiliar audiences. The tour also served to emphasise how privileged the students of New Town High are to attend a school with such a large and well-resourced music department. 22 Salamanca Square Hobart Tasmania 7000 Ph: (03) 6223 1803 E: [email protected] www.hobartbookshop.com.au Supports Oval Construction & Maintenance Specialists Proud to have been maintaining New Town High School grounds for over 10 years Nick Hansen 0418 127 317 V1 - MERE01Z01MA In addition to Ms Morris, students were also accompanied by music specialists John Goldsmith, Vincent Howe and Sue Harradence. When not performing at the various schools, students spent their spare time practising, doing homework, playing games and working out. Students were also fortunate enough to experience a trip on the Don River Railway. In the evenings, a data projector was used to screen viewings of music-themed films Brassed Off and Oliver! 31 INTERNATIONAL delegates from educational agencies all across Asia recently visited New Town High. The purpose was to identify schools suitable for students seeking to undertake their secondary education outside of their home country. The delegates were given a brief presentation in which they learnt about the strong sense of respect for tradition. Prefects and current international students spoke to the delegates about the school, explaining what they enjoy about being a “New Town boy”. Student-guided tours then provided delegates with a small first-hand experience of the types of subjects and programs offered at New Town. There are currently 53 international students at New Town High representing 22 countries. Having international students at New Town helps all members of the school community build their knowledge of, and appreciation for, different cultures and countries. “The program gives our students more opportunities for a better future,” principal Sandy Menadue said. The agents also spent time at other schools during their stay. By Joel Prestedge and Jack Ormerod Thanks! ON TOUR: Part of the New Town High School band. THIS Mercury School Page was created by members of Daniel Howard’s Grade 9/10 Writers’ Workshop class. The advertising team consisted of Mitchell Woolley and Mrs Susan Berry. Special thanks to Harry Philpott and Callum Woodward for their assistance with graphic design tasks. Hobart - Launceston - Burnie www.iriscomputing.com.au Proud to be the preferred supplier to 1 Risdon Road, New Town 6225 2726 Supporting New Town High School ^ƵƉƉŽƌƟŶŐEĞǁdŽǁŶ,ŝŐŚ^ĐŚŽŽů0 BRIERLEY HOSE AND HANDLING New Town High School [email protected] Phone 03 6231 5555 Hobart Mugs as PERSONAL as YOU! 43 High Street Oatlands Tasmania 7120 Ph 03 6254 0018 or 0400 983 249 ^WKE^KZ^K&EtdKtE,/',^,KK> ǁǁǁ5ďƌŝĞƌůĞǇŚŽƐĞ5ĐŽŵ5ĂƵ See us at Stall 291 Salamanca Market every Saturday! www.bagdadpottery.com.au Vermey’s Quality Meats 180 Sandy Bay Road p 6223 6378