Creativity takes courage, and our Year 8 students demonstrated exactly that in December’s annual online Drama event, In and Out of Worlds. Performing in a virtual space requires confidence of a different kind: projecting voice through a screen, trust in your preparation, and stepping into character without a physical stage beneath your feet. Yet within our supportive online community, students rose to the challenge. The result was more than a performance – it was a time of connection and shared celebration.
Experiences like this remind us that the creative arts at VSV are not confined by physical walls. In fact, they often become the bridge that brings our community together. Whether through performance, digital exhibition, or shared reflection, the creative arts create a common space where students, families and staff gather to witness growth, applaud risk-taking, and celebrate expression, turning individual creativity into shared experience. VSV Assistant Principal of Student Wellbeing and Engagement, Mal McIver, reflects:
I remember seeing a past student who could not read and write when they joined VSV performing in the In and Out of Worlds event a few years back. It was mesmerising to see how the student’s growth in literacy had unlocked their ability to learn and engage in other subjects. Their confidence as a learner enabled a love of drama and the ability to perform online in front of an audience in the hundreds.
Opportunities to showcase student work have not happened by chance but are a result of the dedication and vision of staff who believe deeply in the power of creative arts education. As we acknowledge Mark McSherry’s recent retirement, we recognise not only a long and respected career as a music educator, but a legacy. His leadership in developing public-facing student performance opportunities, including a meaningful cultural partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre – Making Waves, elevating student compositions – has expanded what is possible for our students. Through this initiative, young musicians have seen their work valued beyond the classroom, building confidence and real-world connection.
Teacher attitudes towards online creative arts delivery are a powerful predictor of positive student outcomes, and the team at VSV lead with confidence and curiosity. Their assured use of digital tools ensures that technology enhances, rather than hinders, student expression, allowing creativity to flourish in new and innovative ways. We commend the ongoing commitment to professionalism in our teaching team. The skills developed through Creative Arts learning also resonate strongly across other areas of study, says Mal:
Creative arts subjects play an essential role in developing disciplined, resilient and creative learners. Through practice and refinement, students build perseverance, focus and time management skills that support success across all subjects. The arts also strengthen critical and creative thinking, encouraging students to problem solve, take risks and explore multiple solutions. Collaborative projects develop communication and teamwork, while opportunities for self-expression build confidence and wellbeing. Ultimately, creative arts education equips students with the skills they need to thrive both at school and beyond.
The strength and depth of learning at VSV continues to be reflected in the achievements of our senior students. Recent accolades highlight the talent within our school and the instructional rigour of our programs.
We celebrate the successful selection for performance at Top Class 2026 –
- Daniel (shared enrolment) – selected for his portrayal of ‘Bottom’s’ monologue from his A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which he played in the Theatre Studies production in 2025.
- Jessica (shared enrolment) – selected for her portrayal of ‘Titania’s’ monologue from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which he played in the Theatre Studies production in 2025.
It is of note that only one other school in the state has two students from the same school performing in Top-Class this year.
Other notable news from the graduating Theatre Studies class of 2025 Theatre Studies:
Amelie (full-time VSV student) – accepted into Victoria College of the Arts to study Acting.
Zach (shared enrolment) – accepted into the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts in Perth to study Acting. Zach achieved a study score of 48 for Theatre Studies last year.
