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Showcase finale draws near

27 October 2009

Sound education ...Virginia State School parents Kathryn Eastlake (clarinet) and Donna Baldwin (bass guitar) with students Thomas Da Forno (tuba) and Kate Thediecke (French horn).

Sound education ...Virginia State School parents Kathryn Eastlake (clarinet) and Donna Baldwin (bass guitar) with students Thomas Da Forno (tuba) and Kate Thediecke (French horn).

Excitement is building in state schools throughout Queensland as the time nears for the announcement of their best education programs at a gala dinner in Brisbane.

This year 24 finalists are contesting eight awards, each worth $20,000 in development grants, in the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools program, and the winners will be announced on October 29.

Among the finalists is Virginia State School's program, Music: The Virginia Way, which is competing for the RemServ Showcase Award for Excellence in Innovation.

Music teacher Kathryn McLennan said the school community valued the program and was looking forward to the gala dinner.

'Our community is very proud of the music program,' Ms McLennan said.

'Many have made a special effort to move to the area so that they can enrol their children at the school because of the program.'

Ms McLennan said in Music: The Virginia Way, students learnt and performed music alongside their parents, grandparents and other family members.

'We value the role of the adult community in each child's education and since the inclusion of adults into the program, students at Virginia are learning music as a family and thoroughly enjoying the journey,' she said.

Virginia State School musicians performing last week ahead of their 13th annual music tour. The tour will involve more than 100 students, teachers and family members performing throughout the Moreton east and west education districts. Teacher Kathryn McLennan is at the front of the stage facing away.

Virginia State School musicians performing last week ahead of their 13th annual music tour. The tour will involve more than 100 students, teachers and family members performing throughout the Moreton east and west education districts. Teacher Kathryn McLennan is at the front of the stage facing away.

Ms McLennan said the school would use the $20,000 prize money to buy new musical instruments.

The Showcase gala dinner is at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Some of the student stars from this year's Creative Generation - State Schools Onstage will supply the entertainment.

For more information, visit the Showcase website.