WFGS Performing Arts Professional Learning Day
AARON SILVER AND FELICITY O'HALLORAN
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On 28th October, in the newly renovated heart of Wodonga, Performing Arts educators from the Wodonga Federation of Government Schools and the Wodonga Indigo Network came together with a shared mission: to build and strengthen connections, foster professional growth, and celebrate the vital role of Performing Arts in our schools.
On 28th October, in the newly renovated heart of Wodonga, Performing Arts educators from the Wodonga Federation of Government Schools and the Wodonga Indigo Network came together with a shared mission: to build and strengthen connections, foster professional growth, and celebrate the vital role of Performing Arts in our schools.
The WFGS Performing Arts Professional Learning Day featured engaging, hands-on workshops, invaluable networking opportunities, and truly inspiring presentations. The event was Supported by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, the Australian Society for Music Educators (ASME), and funded through a Teaching Innovation Fellowship via the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.
What happened
What happened
The day began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Derek Murray, a Dhudhuroa Community Leader, who grounded the event in honesty and connection to Country. Derek shared moving stories about his experiences growing up, the racism he has faced, and how he channels his passion and pride for his identity into mentoring local young people.
Workshops led by Tobias Wilkins, Felicity O’Halloran, and Dr. Sue Arney covered a wide range of topics, including drama integration, practical classroom music-making, and strategies for advocating Performing Arts programs in schools. Warm-up sessions created moments of fun and connection, with teachers exchanging techniques for engaging students through short patterns and games.
A surprising highlight of the day was the attendance itself—20 teachers turned up, doubling the expected numbers, and filling the room to capacity. The irony was not lost on anyone that an event aimed at reducing isolation left the space so tightly packed that some joked about needing a second venue for future sessions.
A surprising highlight of the day was the attendance itself—20 teachers turned up, doubling the expected numbers, and filling the room to capacity. The irony was not lost on anyone that an event aimed at reducing isolation left the space so tightly packed that some joked about needing a second venue for future sessions.
Nonetheless, teachers appreciated the longer morning tea and lunch breaks, which allowed for meaningful informal networking. Many participants shared how rare it is to connect with colleagues from other local schools, making this aspect of the day particularly special.
Nonetheless, teachers appreciated the longer morning tea and lunch breaks, which allowed for meaningful informal networking. Many participants shared how rare it is to connect with colleagues from other local schools, making this aspect of the day particularly special.
Hyphen - Wodonga Library Gallery, our stunning new Library/Gallery space in the heart of town, provided a welcoming (albeit slightly snug) backdrop to the day’s events.
Hyphen - Wodonga Library Gallery, our stunning new Library/Gallery space in the heart of town, provided a welcoming (albeit slightly snug) backdrop to the day’s events.
What participants had to say
What participants had to say
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the day’s success in fostering connection, practical learning, and professional growth. Many teachers expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to meet and collaborate with colleagues from other regional schools, helping to reduce the sense of isolation often felt in their roles. The hands-on nature of the workshops stood out; attendees praised how immediately applicable the strategies were for their classrooms. For some, building confidence in new areas—like embodying text through drama or using simple techniques to create engaging music-making experiences—was invaluable. Dr. Sue Arney’s session on advocating for Performing Arts programs struck a particularly powerful chord, leaving teachers feeling empowered to champion their work within their schools.
What a presenter had to say - Felicity O'Halloran
What a presenter had to say - Felicity O'Halloran
I was delighted to receive the invitation to present at the Wodonga Federation of Government Schools and Wodonga Indigo Network's Professional Learning Day for Performing Arts teachers. It was a privilege to collaborate with Aaron and witness first-hand his efforts to create a Community of Practice for performing arts teachers within his network.
Participants were positive and open to what the day had to offer with teachers clearly relishing in the opportunity to participate in the professional learning. As the day went on, what I noticed particularly were the connections forming between workshop participants. Teachers reached out to each other to collaborate and share information and ideas. This clearly demonstrating that meaningful relationships are better established when face-to-face opportunities are provided. It also highlights the power of networks and the importance of teachers from all learning and subject areas such as the performing arts, having the chance to meet and connect.
As the day concluded, I overheard a group of teachers discuss the idea of creating a massed choir made up of students from all the schools within the network. No competition involved, just collectively connecting children through the joy of music, and singing, performing for their own community. For me, I don’t think the day could have finished any better. As musician Paul Kelly wrote in one of his songs, "from little things, big things grow”.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead
The success of this Professional Learning Day has laid a solid foundation for our Community of Practice (CoP). In 2025, we plan to hold four dedicated CoP sessions that will replace staff meetings for Performing Arts teachers, allowing them focused time to collaborate and learn together. Building on participant feedback, we are excited to run this Professional Learning Day again at the same time next year alongside a new "resource sharing day", which attendees overwhelmingly highlighted as beneficial. Maintaining connections established this year remains a key priority; these relationships have already proven invaluable in reducing professional isolation and fostering ongoing collaboration.
We would also like to extend special recognition to ASME Victoria for their invaluable support of this event. Their commitment to advancing music education and their role in supporting our Professional Learning Day were instrumental in its success.
The Performing Arts Professional Learning Day was a testament to the incredible creativity and passion that Performing Arts teachers bring to their schools. It was a privilege to witness educators coming together to share ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate the transformative power of music, drama, and dance in education.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our presenters, attendees, supporting organisations, and ASME Victoria for making this day such a success. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing this important work together.
Presentation Team (from L-R): Dr. Sue Arney, Tobias Wilson, Aaron Silver, and Felicity O'Halloran
Presentation Team (from L-R): Dr. Sue Arney, Tobias Wilson, Aaron Silver, and Felicity O'Halloran
Aaron Silver (Wodonga Performing Arts Network)
Aaron Silver (Wodonga Performing Arts Network)
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