Kolbe Catholic College has experienced an extraordinary few weeks, with students shining across three major events—WAGSMS, YOHFest, and the Catholic Performing Arts Festival—following the success of our Senior School Play at the beginning of the term. Over just six weeks, students participated in thirteen events, and the level of support from families and staff has been fantastic.
Western Australian Government Schools Music Society (WAGSMS)
On Wednesday night, we proudly introduced Mart Warangka—meaning “Group Singing” in Noongar—at the Western Australian Government Schools Music Society (WAGSMS) Showcase, held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
This exciting 2025 collaboration involved over 140 students from Endeavour Schools, Kolbe Catholic College, Gwynne Park Education Support Centre, and Koorana Education Support Centre. Each week, the students rehearse with energy and joy, singing, dancing, and signing in Auslan, building friendships, inclusion, and unforgettable memories. Special praise goes to our Year 8 Dance students, who embraced the spirit of Mart Warangka, embodying togetherness and participation. This marked their first performance as a united group—a milestone we are incredibly proud of.
“Dancing with these amazing students has shown me that sharing smiles, laughter, joy and connection matter more than anything else on life’s stage and create wonderful memories. Dancing with hearts, not just feet.” – Abigale (Year 8)
YOHFest
Next, 65 students from our Dance Company, Certificate III Year 12 Dancers, Year 11 and 12 Certificate II Drama students, and Theatre Company took part in Act Belong Commit YOHFest.
The day included rehearsals in a professional venue, games, and a talent show with other schools, culminating in an evening performance exploring the powerful theme “Colour My World” and its connection to wellbeing and personal expression.
We are thrilled that our Certificate Drama piece “In Stitches” won the runner-up prize, while our Dance Company claimed the top spot with the Healthway Award for Effective Exploration of the theme. This event perfectly captured the Act Belong Commit message—encouraging students to act, belong, and commit through the arts.
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
Finally, our Year 7–12 students shone at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival across Perth in Choir, Big Band, Contemporary Band, Liturgical Dance, Scripted and Solo Drama, and Secondary Dance.
Outstanding Certificates were awarded to Christian Dance, Contemporary Band Year 12, and Drama Scripted Year 12’s “In Stitches,” alongside Excellence Certificates in many other categories—including Vocal Ensemble and Year 12 student Kyle in his Solo Drama piece.
This year, we were honoured to win two of the overall Perpetual Shields for our sections: the prestigious Dr Carmen Lawrence Award for Drama Ensemble Scripted or Devised with “In Stitches,” and the Servite Friars’ Award for Secondary Christian Dance.
This success reflects countless hours of early morning rehearsals and late-night performances, underpinned by unwavering support from families and staff. Together, our students demonstrated the College values of courage, faith, and excellence, inspiring the entire community.
Duncan (Year 12) reflected, “Our Performing Arts Festival journey taught me that hard work and the support of others lead to amazing achievements across music, dance and drama.”
These events have truly highlighted the incredible talent, commitment, and community spirit of Kolbe students, reminding us all of the power of the arts to unite, inspire, and celebrate diverse voices. A huge thank you goes to our families and staff—without your support, none of this would be possible.
Performance Awards
CONTEMPORARY BAND (SEC)
- OUTSTANDING – Dorothy’s Dog And The Contemplentative Stevies Of Manifestation
- EXCELLENCE – Fabric Fegman And The Growth Mindsets
CHORAL SINGING – YRS 7-12 (SEC)
- EXCELLENCE – Kolbe Vocal Ensemble
DRAMA SOLO (YRS 11 – 12)
- EXCELLENCE – Kyle (Year 12)
DANCE – CHRISTIAN (SEC)
- OUTSTANDING – Senior Liturgical Company
DANCE – CREATIVE (SEC)
- EXCELLENCE – Kolbe Dance Company
- EXCELLENCE – Kolbe Year 12 Cert III Dance
DRAMA ENSEMBLE SCRIPTED / DEVISED BY STUDENTS (YRS 7 – 12)
- OUTSTANDING – Kolbe Cert Drama 1
- EXCELLENCE – Kolbe Theatre Company
- EXCELLENCE – Kolbe Cert Drama 2
Shield Winners
- Christian Dance Secondary – Servite Friars’ Award
- Drama Scripted/Devised – Dr Carmen Lawrence Award
