Parent Engagement through music
St Catherine's College Singleton (K-12) was the inaugural recipient of the 2020 Roger O'Sullivan Highly Commended Award for their submission 'A Night on the Green".
The annual event has grown from a community building event on the college playground called 'the green" attended by 20 people in 2016 to a showcase of students' and teachers' talents attned by over 1000 people in 2019. Unfortunately, the 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entertainment for the first event in March 2016 was provided by an ex-student playing her guitar and two year 11 students offering face-painting. As parent and teacher engagement increased so did the scale of the event and its focus on the enhancement of learning outcomes for students. During 2016 the new Principal wanted to expand the college music programme. As student interest increased it became evident more instruments were required. Parents worked with the school executive and developed a plan to raise funds to purchase more instruments to enable more students receive the many benefits of playing a musical instrument with a band.
In 2019, a dedicated Primary Music Teacher was employed. As part of their teaching and learning program the school incorporated teaching each year group a song to perform with singing and instruments. The students prepare during Terms 3 and 4 and perform during the annual "Night on the Green" towards year end.
The College community volunteers to assist with BBQ, canteen, ticket sales, staging, popcorn sales and first aid. The school plans further engagement with students by asking the Ag Department to hold a petting zoo with animals from the College farm, the Food Tech Department selling cakes and biscuits and the Art Department setting up a gallery to display and sell student works. CCSP wishes the St Catherine's community all the best for its Night on the Green in 2021.
CCSP encourages school communities who have developed these types of initiatives to enter the 2021 Roger O'Sullivan Memorial Award for an opportunity to receive $4000 to enhance their project.















