College Productions

Notre Dame College (NDC) has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality and professional theatre productions over several decades.

We are immensely proud of the students and staff who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to these significant commitments. This year alone, NDC received 29 nominations in the prestigious Northern Victorian Georgy Awards for our production of The Drowsy Chaperone and senior study plays.

NDC strongly supports these projects and holds in high esteem the exceptional work produced year after year. Special recognition is due to the directors and teachers who provide their invaluable experience, guidance, and thoughtful direction, making these performances highly sought after.

In recent years, producing such large-scale productions has become increasingly challenging. Considering all factors, especially the opportunities we can best provide to our students, NDC will transition to producing major productions biennially instead of annually. This change will allow us to maintain the highest level of quality in our productions every two years.

This informed decision ensures we are not compromised by production costs, including copyright licensing, set construction, and hiring expenses, as well as staffing availability and the role of Director. This approach will enable a stronger focus and commitment to delivering high-quality shows for the enjoyment of both students and audiences.

NDC will continue to provide your child with ample opportunities to engage in theatre studies, particularly through year-level plays and monologues. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, our students will continue to develop valuable skills and hands-on experience in the theatre space. As part of our ongoing investment in the performing arts, we are also constructing a new state-of-the-art theatre block in the Sacred Heart Hall, which is well underway.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who contribute to NDC productions. From the sponsors, parents, families, and friends who purchase tickets, to the dedicated staff and teachers who graciously volunteer their efforts, and above all, the supremely talented students who bring magic to the stage and make the shows what they are.

John Cortese
Principal

The Principal's Role

Every year, in fact every term if not every day, I think about how very fortunate and privileged I am to be the Principal of our great college.

My role can be seen by many as repetitive and dealing with the same minor issues daily, but it is far from that and, more importantly I love my job.

I mention this point at virtually all our assemblies and gatherings of staff and students.

Weekly, monthly, termly, or annually, I am given the honour and pleasure of being invited to many events, openings of new schools, great lecturers presenting their opinions on many and varied topics, farewells to great educators, being involved in planning for improvement in our education delivery etc. etc. etc.

However, BY FAR, the greatest honour, privilege, and pleasure I gain from my role as Principal is being invited to local (that is Notre Dame College) school-based events, seeing great teaching in actions, watching students immersed in their learning, sharing lunchtime activities or discussions with students, sharing the learning journeys with parents of their children, seeing educators in our school growing almost daily in their craft etc. To this, I now add seeing staff go above and beyond (in whatever role they have) to ensure our school continues to be a wonderful place. Likewise, seeing students developing so well makes me so proud.

I could write a paper on the experiences and joys of being part of our Athletics and Swimming Carnivals and being a part of our Mother’s and Father’s Day breakfasts, of our school productions and other show piece events put on by various faculties, not to mention the day to day joys of dealing with staff and students who so obviously love our school – what great joys such events bring to one’s life.

What I love about my job!!!

I have been in teacher training, teaching and in leadership roles for the past 48 years.

I cannot think of doing any other role.

I certainly feel fortunate and privileged to have been involved in education for so long.

My feelings and reasons around being fortunate and privileged in my leadership roles are:

• Fortunate to have staff who go above and beyond the call

• Fortunate to have magnificent communities that support my College

• Fortunate to have staff committed to great schools and the benefits of longevity in teaching

• Fortunate I had great friendships with staff - don’t believe it when they say leadership is lonely

• Privileged to have parents in school communities who love the College

• Privileged to work with outstanding educational leaders such as DPs and others in leadership roles

• Privileged to work with and be supported by brilliant, innovative, and professional leading teachers.

• Privileged to work with outstanding, supportive, and encouraging Principals and other leaders from neighbouring schools.

• Privileged to be supported by co-operative College Boards and Presidents/Chairpersons.

• Privileged to have many passionate, engaging, knowledgeable and loyal staff (both teaching and non-teaching)

• Fortunate to employ many magnificent graduate teachers and then in a small way play a part in helping to develop them into great educators working in many schools across Vic and the world.

• Privileged to have shared the developmental years of many amazing students and proud that when lucky enough to cross their paths they are happy to chat regarding their lives post school

The fondest memories of educators and leaders are around the successes had in developing great men and women who fit wonderfully into our society.

John Cortese
Principal