Co-curricular Opportunities Gleeson College offers numerous activities outside normal classroom times. Performing Arts Gleeson College’s extensive Performing Arts Program incorporates Music, Dance and Drama, and participates in many performances each year. The College ensembles (Concert Band, Stage Band and Concert Choir) continued to flourish with the Stage Band once again being selected to play at the Catholic Schools Music Festival. The Semester 1 and Semester 2 Creative Arts Evenings were both amazing exhibitions of the students’ talents in all aspects of The Arts and our dance students were highly competitive in several dance competitions throughout the year. The highlight of the year was definitely Gleeson College's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical, which featured students in a live band and a 70 strong cast of students from years 7-12 in an incredible and joyful performance to sold out audiences. Science and STEM In 2024, a key achievement was the transformation of Lab 4 into a state-of- the-art wet lab, inaugurated with an engaging STEM boat-building challenge. Science Week centred on "Species Survival—More Than Just Sustainability," captivating students through quizzes, humorous challenges, and a hands-on Biodiversity Blitz. Year 7 students explored Indigenous Scientific Perspectives, a newly introduced unit blending traditional knowledge with modern environmental insights. The Year 8 excursion to the University of Adelaide's School of Earth Sciences deepened students' understanding of geology and planetary science. Through the integrated Science Tales project, Year 8 students excelled in science communication, while Year 9 students embarked on an immersive Mission to Mars experience at Hamilton Space School. Year 7 students showcased outstanding investigative skills at the One+ Science Awards, with one student advancing to state-level competition. Additionally, the new EcoSTEM Club introduced impactful environmental initiatives, including designing pollinator hotels to support native bees and participating in the 2024 Rise Up Tree Planting event. Collectively, these enriching experiences highlight Gleeson College’s unwavering commitment to fostering scientific curiosity, innovation, and academic excellence, ensuring students are exceptionally prepared for future challenges. Page 18