Eisteddfod 2025
The annual Toowoomba Eisteddfod was held at the beautiful Empire Theatre (Week 4) and many of our students performed on her grand stage. Please see entries below from Mrs. Rosier and Mrs. Rebecca Smith. Congratulations to everyone who participated!
Mater Dei Choir
The Mater Dei choir travelled to the Empire Theatre by bus on Friday 16th May and performed in the Primary Schools section against 14 other choirs. The choir sung "Something" by Sheldon Rose & "Just Sing" by Timberlake both songs well received by a very receptive audience. With a score of 92/100 we received 3rd place and I am exceptionally happy with our overall effort in this competition. Thank you to all staff and parents involved for your help and support on the day. A big congratulations to our choir - they sung their hearts out and sounded magnificent!
-Mrs. Rosier
Piano Solos
From Sunday the 11th May to Tuesday 13th May, ten nominated piano students from Mater Dei performed in the Piano Sections of the Toowoomba Eisteddfod. The Toowoomba Eisteddfod is an optional extra for some Instrumental Music teachers. If a student is keen and has a piece ready that would work well in one of the sections, the student is invited to enter if the teacher believes it might be a positive experience for them.
We had a wonderful few days at the Eisteddfod and all of the children are to be congratulated for their wonderful performances, their exemplary behaviour and their bravery! For many of the children it was their first piano competition and they all did so well!
Here are the awards. For those children who didn’t receive a place this time, the adjudicator mentioned that she would have loved to have given everyone a prize but she wasn’t allowed to! 😊
Year 4 and under Popular/Jazz/Movie Piano Solo
David R - 1st Place Medal 🥇
All-Age Preparatory 2 Piano Solo Novice
Archer H - 1st Place Medal 🥇
Lilia R - 2nd Place Medal 🥈
Amelia H - Highly Commended
All-Age Graded Piano Solo Preliminary Standard
Angel D - 2nd Place Medal 🥈
All-Age Graded Piano Solo Grade 1 Standard
Jethro D - Highly Commended
-Mrs. Smith
Mrs. Smith & Mater Dei would also like to recognize and congratulate all other students from Mater Dei who learn a musical instrument outside of school time doing very well and receiving prizes too! Well done everyone.
Music
Instrumental Music - Save the Date
Our Instrumental Music Showcase is confirmed for Friday 5th September, 2025 at St. Mary's College Edmund Rice Cultural Centre. The event will be in the evening with a Junior Showcase followed by a Senior Showcase. An invitation to families involved in the Music Program will be sent to all families closer to the event.
Choir - Eisteddfod Friday 16th May
We are busy putting the following touches on our performance pieces for Eisteddfod Friday 16th May. Details were sent via Sentral requesting permission for all students to attend. We have a few extra rehearsals planned (Week 3 during school time) in addition to our Tuesday 7.45am weekly rehearsal. Don't forget to buy tickets online or at the box office prior to the event date - performing students do not require tickets. Any questions relating to this event please forward to Ebony Rosier: ebony.rosier@twb.catholic.edu.au
Music: Grade 1
Students enjoyed the challenge of mapping the melody of "March of The Toreadors" by Bizet in the air. It is a very fast piece of orchestral music and so students had to move fast to keep up to match the speed. Students also enjoyed playing percussion instruments along to recorded music.
Drama Performances Begin Week 3
A friendly reminder that students in years 1-6 will begin performing their poems next week beginning 5th May.
Tuesday lessons (Year 3 & 4)
Thursday lessons (Year 1, 2, 5 & 6)
We have been working on these pieces for several weeks now and the in-class performances form a major part of students’ drama assessment. These will also lead into our Drama Festival competition.
Semi-finals will occur in Week 6, with the finals being held in Week 8 on Friday 13th June. The preps will perform on this day, along with all our finalists.
Keep an eye out for more information. We are looking forward to celebrating our budding performers!
Jessica Matchett
jessica.matchett@twb.catholic.edu.au
Music - Choir Date Claimers
School Choir: Date Claimers
Eisteddfod 2025
Choir will perform at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod on Friday 16th May at the Empire Theatre. A note containing all details will be sent out via Parent Portal shortly. Permission is required.
Family Parish Mass - St. Theresa's
Choir will perform at the family Parish Mass on Sunday 25th May. Arrival 9.15am for 9.30am Mass. Free Dress for all students. Families are encouraged to attend. Mass will conclude at 10.30am.
Please note: our first rehearsal for Term 2 is at 7.45am Tuesday 29th April. Attendance is essential as we are preparing for Eisteddfod. Thank you for your support.
Music: focus whole school
In the lead up to Easter, every class has dedicated some time to learning sing "Jesus Strong & Kind" by Buchanan & Robinson. This song will feature as the final song in our upcoming Easter Liturgy on the final day of school. We are looking forward to sharing this powerful song with the school community.
Music: focus Year 4
Grade 4 are learning to play the Metallophones during classroom music time. So far, we have have been working on securing a good grip and technique with our mallets and learning to strike in the middle of the bell. We are playing along with backing tracks and working on increasing our tempo, staying together and having a good time.
Ensembles 2025
Our music ensembles will start back in Week 3. Students can 'sign on' for these ensembles next week during their classroom music time. It is an expectation that if students join an ensemble they recognise that they are making a commitment to the ensemble for the year. I encourage you to chat to your child about making this choice and helping them to honour this commitment. These ensembles are free. It is highly encouraged that our Instrumental music students join an ensemble. If your child is learning an instrument outside of school they are most welcome to join a group on the instrument they are getting lessons on. The first week is classed as a trial - if they like it, they can then join it officially from the week after.
Choir with Mrs. Rosier on Tuesday at 7.45am in the Music Room (anyone in yrs3-6 welcome)
String Ensemble with Mrs. Westwood on Wednesday at 8am in the Music Room (Yrs1-6)
Band with Miss Joy on Thursday at 7.30am in the WMC Hall (Yrs5&6) **note the new start time
**Choir will be working towards Eisteddfod which will be at the Empire Theatre in May. Date TBA. There are likely to be extra rehearsals at lunchtimes leading up to this event.
Any questions, please contact Ebony Rosier ebony.rosier@twb.catholic.edu.au
Instrumental Music 2025
Welcome back everyone! This year I'd like to welcome a new member to our team - Mr. Will Thomas who will be taking our Woodwind & Brass students in 2025. Mr. Thomas will take on Sarah Lindsay's students as she has taken a new position this year. Our seven tutors this year are: Mrs. Rebecca Smith, Mr. Ayden Roberts, Mr. Ian Dixon, Miss Jessie Joy, Mr. Andrew Pomerenke, Mr. Matt Westwood and Mr. Will Thomas. We are coming to the end of timetabling all our enrolments and we thank you for your patience here. Your tutor will be in contact with you by the end of the weekend to let you know your first lesson day and time. Instrumental lessons start back next week (week 2). Sadly not all students are guaranteed a place. It is not uncommon for there to be shuffling around in the first week back so please let us work our magic where we can! After your first lesson, you will be issued with an invoice (direct from your tutor) and you will receive a timetable for the remainder of term 1. We are looking forward to a fabulous year of music again! Ebony Rosier & the music team 
Instrumental Music 2025 NEW students
Enrolment into our Instrumental Music Program 2025 for new students is now open and will remain open until places are filled.
New enrolments will be filled on a first in first served basis and therefore, filling in a form does not guarantee a placement in the program. Once processed, enrolment is ongoing for the year. Once you submit this form, you will be notified by the Instrumental Music Coordinator in the new year of your placement. A wait list will be created after places have been filled should places become available.
New families to the school in 2025 will be emailed the link.
Terms and Conditions for lessons are contained within the form. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please email coordinator:
Ebony.Rosier@twb.catholic.edu.au
To enrol please click on the link below:
https://forms.office.com/r/bnC2pH71NQ
Instrumental Music 2025 continuing students
Enrolments for our Instrumental Music Program 2025 for continuing students are now open. This online link will be sent to your email over the weekend. Current families will be prioritised when submitted before 5pm Thursday 28th November. A new form will then be made available to the wider school for all new students to the program and will be filled on a first in first served basis. Continuing students will no longer be given priority after the above cut off day/time.
Some changes have been made to the music program and therefore it is important that you carefully read the enrolment before submitting. Questions regarding enrolment can be sent to ebony.rosier@twb.catholic.edu.au
Instrumental Music - Congratulations
A big congratulations to Gemma Montgomery for receiving a B+ in the AMEB Grade 2 Piano exam. Wishing you all the very best for Piano in 2025 Gemma!
Musical Photos
Congratulations to our Year 5 and 6 students for their fabulous performance in our musical, Kids in Space, on Thursday 24th October! A big thank you to everyone who was able to come along and show their support at the evening show. We hope you enjoyed it.
We are seeking photographs from this performance. Although we were able to capture some, we are hoping that all classes/dances and characters could be represented, to display in the drama room at school. If you have any photos you are willing to share, please email Amanda.Holzheimer@twb.catholic.edu.au
Many thanks!
Musical - Book Your Tickets
It's musical week and you're all invited! Please book your tickets via this link https://www.trybooking.com/CWAAJ
Students to arrive at 5.30pm (more details to come)
Parents and friends may enjoy drinks and nibbles prior to the show.
Tickets $10. Primary school age (U12 years) free.
We look forward to taking you on a fabulous, intergalactic adventure!
Musical Tickets
Tickets available now!
All Mater Dei families and friends are invited to attend this production starring our Year 5 and 6 students.
Date: Thursday 24th October
Time: 6.30pm
Where: William Morris Centre
Students to arrive at 5.30pm (more details to come)
Parents and friends may enjoy drinks and nibbles prior to the show.
Tickets $10. Primary school age (U12 years) free.
Book here now! https://www.trybooking.com/CWAAJ
Instrumental Music Term 4
Dear Families,
We are looking forward to a number of performances this term and would like to remind all members to remain committed to attending all rehearsals and private music tutorials until the end of the year.
Ensembles: Rehearsal times and days remain the same and start back Week 1. Rehearsals are weekly with some exceptions due to other events happening in this busy term ahead. For exceptions to rehearsals, I will contact parents of those ensembles in due course.
Our Ensembles: Choir 7.45am on Tuesday, String Ensemble 8am on Wednesday, Band 7.45am on Thursday, Ukulele group on Thursday 11.05am.
Private lessons: All students learning an instrument will start back in Week 1 unless alternatives have been confirmed by your tutor directly.
In the case that choir, band or string ensemble is cancelled - I will post a message the night before, through the Parent Portal advising that your tutor is unwell.
For those wanting to re-enrol in our Instrumental Music Program 2025 a link will be sent to you FIRST before going out to the wider school. It is important that you complete your enrolment by the due date to best secure your placement for next year. The link will be sent to you sometime in late November.
Any questions about our music program please feel free to email me at ebony.rosier@twb.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for supporting your child through the ARTS!
Ebony Rosier - Coordinator of Instrumental Music Program.
Instrumental Music Showcase 2024
On Friday 30 August, over 100 Mater Dei students performed in the 2024 Instrumental Music Showcase at the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre. On the big stage including lights, grand piano, live video feed, bubbles and red carpet, the venue hosted our young musicians playing their instruments - and what an entertaining event it was! A big thank you must go to all our tutors for preparing their students, Mrs. Holzheimer & Mrs. Gregory for helping manage the night and our PEN for their continued support. Please stay tuned for more photos of the night!
Musical - Save the Date
Not long to go until all the hard work comes to the stage! Be sure to mark these details in your calendar.
Thursday 24th October at 6.30pm
5.30pm Year 5 and 6 students to arrive at school (more details to come).
6.30pm Performance of 'Kids in Space' starts.
Parents may enjoy drinks and nibbles prior to the show.
Tickets $10/adult. Primary school age free. Stay tuned for booking code and more information next term!
WE NEED YOUR RECYCLING!
We are collecting recyclable items to use as ‘space junk’ for costumes for our upcoming Mater Dei musical, ‘Kids in Space.’
We need:
- Rectangular cardboard LIDS FROM BOXES OF A4 PAPER REAMS (lids only)
- ROUND LIDS such as:
- milk / juice bottle lids
- soft drink bottle lids
- small tub or jar lids such as sour cream / vegemite / peanut butter / jar sauce / olive jar lids
- the twisty pyramid shaped lids from tomato / bbq / mustard squeezey bottles
- Yoghurt pouch cap lids
- Small CANS AND TINS e.g. softdrink cans / tinned tomato tins.
There are collection boxes on the bag racks outside the music and drama classrooms.
If students could please drop any donations from your home or workplace here before the last day of term 3, Friday September 13th, it would be greatly appreciated.
Please ensure recyclables are clean and free from food / liquids.
Thank you for your help!
Musical News
SAVE THE DATE!
We are all very excited about this production and are looking forward to sharing it with you on the evening of Thursday 24th October 2024!
PROPS NEEDED!
We are on the hunt for some specific items. These items can be in poor condition. Can you help?
- Tricycle (in working order, the bigger the better)
- Fob watch with chain
- Science experimental objects – beakers, goggles etc.
- ‘Space junk’ – eg. Weird and kooky objects!
- Old wooden chair
- Broken/unwanted technology pieces (big monitor, keyboards, phones with cord)
- Mannequin
BUSY BUSY!
Preparation for our upcoming musical is well underway, with our year 5 and 6 students working hard at choreographing and learning dance moves, along with a dedicated group of main characters learning their lines from the script. It is a very busy, but very exciting, time in drama and music right now!
HELPERS!
Thank you to those people who have indicated their willingness to assist with props, costumes and set design. This type of production is truly a team effort and many hands make light work! If you are interested in helping in any way, shape or form, please email Amanda and Ebony or coming along to the PEN meeting on Monday 26th Aug at 5.30pm.
COSTUME REQUIREMENTS!
Please read through carefully and contact us if you have any questions. All costumes are due in at school (to regular classroom) in Week 1, Term 4.
CLASS | STUDENTS TO SUPPLY |
5 KINGFISHER
| GIRLS
BOYS
|
5 CURRAWONG | GIRLS AND BOYS
|
6 ROSELLA
| GIRLS
BOYS
|
6 LORIKEET
| GIRLS AND BOYS
|
Amanda & Ebony
Helpers Needed!
We are in desperate need of a team of people to assist with sourcing and making props, sets, costumes etc for our upcoming musical, Kids in Space. You will be given direction from our Drama and Music teachers, along with support through our PEN. Our teachers are working around the clock with singing, choreography, casting, staging etc and they really need some assistance with making the other parts of the show come to life. This is a community event where we need the efforts of many hands. Please consider how you may be able to assist and help create another outstanding Mater Dei musical! Send your email outlining how you can help to Amanda.Holzheimer@twb.catholic.edu.au and Ebony.Rosier@twb.catholic.edu.au
Instrumental Music - Mrs Smith's 40 point challenge
Mrs. Smith has decided to run a 40 point challenge award for her piano students. Points are earned by:
- completing a new piece
- memorising a piece
- 40 practices ticked off in their practice chart
- completing a sight reading card
So far, we have 2 winners! Well done, Owen & David. We look forward to our next winners!