Newtown High School of the Performing Arts (NHSPA) turned 30 this year and celebrated the milestone in style. On March 13, nearly 1,600 people flocked to the party, which boasted 32 stalls, 15 live bands, five dance companies and an abundance of rides. Past, present and even future students turned up in droves to enjoy the celebrations.
The party was opened by the NSW Minister for Education, the Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC, Virginia Pacey, Director Educational Leadership, Marrickville Network, Metropolitan South, and Jenny Leong, State Member for Newtown.
School faculties ran their own stalls, with highlights including the Science staff making liquid nitrogen ice cream and the HISIE (Human Society and Its Environment) staff running a “guess-the-teacher-from-the-baby-photo” competition. But it was the librarian, Dominique Sweers, who stole the day with her delectable gourmet pies.
The show began with an alumni band made up of students who’d graduated from the school between 1995 and 2019 – some of whom now work with elite orchestras, studios, bands and theatres around the globe.
The staff band, First Warning, closed the day with a spirited performance, which featured multiple vocals, guitars, percussion, keyboards and strings. The crowd went crazy with the final “Happy Birthday” – singing and smiling.
NHSPA Principal, Sharon Roberts, said it was the best party she’d been to in long while. Look out 40th!
