Giving voice to plenty of creativity

WHILE high academic achievement is important at St Mark’s Church School, the performing arts side of the school is also thriving.

Principal Kent Favel says the appointments of director of performing arts, Robert Dil, and music director, Anya Nazaruk, have given the school a huge boost.

‘‘They are both passionate and exceptional teachers,’’ Favel says. ‘‘They lead our performing arts programme, the drama and speech clubs and various musical groups, which is why those things are so successful at St Mark’s.’’

St Mark’s on the Basin Reserve is a rarity in Wellington, being the only co-educational Anglican school in Wellington that is a full primary school, where children are educated from preschool through to Year 8. St Mark’s is also an International Baccalaureate school which includes a strong cultural emphasis.

Robert Dil has recently returned from teaching in China and he is looking forward to continue to make musical theatre a big part of the fabric of the school.

‘‘They’re the superfoods of the arts,’’ he says, bringing together drama, dance, performance and music, and sound and lighting skills. Shows can really boost children’s confidence by working collaboratively.’’

Russian-born music director Anya Nazaruk brings her expertise as a composer and jazz pianist to the school, leading choirs and instrumental groups.

‘‘Children are encouraged to be in a choir and learn a musical instrument – music and drama are part of their core subjects.’’

She says the rewards for students involved in music is huge.

‘‘Research shows music affects the development of the brain, their reading is better and the children have better analytical and mathematical skills.’’

There is an open day on August 29 from 10am-2pm.

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