NAPA News - Week 7, Term 4, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
It’s nearly time for our big end of year concert at HOTA … TINK - The Magic is Calling! This week will be a big week of rehearsals to bring our show together and I’m sure there will be lots of excitement around the studio. Updated emails have been sent this morning, so please ensure you have read these and noted anything that applies to your child. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased via the HOTA website.
QUICK REMINDERS
Lots of lost property - parents please check!
Dance Concert rehearsals - please ensure you have these noted
Dance Concert T-shirts - please order by tonight if possible
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CONGRATULATIONS MINIS!
Our Minis did an absolutely amazing job at their concert yesterday. 2 performances in one day is no easy feat, but our little people rose to the challenge once again! The biggest thank you goes out to our Miss Alana and Miss Laura who do such a great job with our littlest cherubs. We’d also like to thank our student helpers who do such a great job of supporting our younger students. I know our Minis look up to you all and are so grateful to have you as part of their journey.
Christmas Hamper Raffle!
We’re ending the year with an EPIC Christmas Hamper, so generously donated by one of our NAPA families
The photo honestly doesn’t do it justice! The size of this hamper is incredible, and it’s packed to the brim! What you can see is just the surface
We’re working on setting up online ticket sales, but in the meantime, you can grab your tickets in person at NAPA this week:
Monday (today) 4:15 - 6:15pm
Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30pm
Thursday 4 - 7pm
Sat 9 - 11am
Tickets:
1 for $3 | 2 for $5 | 5 for $10
Keep your eye on the P&F page for updates on how to buy tickets online or future in person opportunities
The raffle will be drawn at our Family Fun Day on Saturday 29 November. Details on this event will be shared in an upcoming newsletter
A huge thank you again to our wonderful donor family. Your generosity will make someone’s Christmas extra special this year
Wellbeing
Protecting Your Energy
In any group, especially in the performing arts, your energy matters. The way you feel affects how you dance, act, sing and work with others. Sometimes classmates may be negative, distracted or unkind, and it’s important to remember: you can’t control other people’s behaviour, but you can protect your own energy.
Learning how to stay positive, grounded and focused is a powerful skill for performers of all ages.
For Students: How to Protect Your Energy
1. Choose Your Focus
Not every comment or behaviour deserves your attention. When someone is negative, decide what’s worth your energy and what isn’t. Focus on your teacher, your goals and your love for performing.
2. Set Quiet Boundaries
You don’t have to make a big deal about it. Sometimes protecting your energy simply means:
Moving to a different spot in the room
Partnering with someone who lifts you up
Keeping your conversations positive and short with those who drain you
3. Use Your “Inner Shield”
Imagine a bubble or shield around your energy that negativity bounces off, and you keep the good vibes inside. It’s a simple mindset trick that many performers use before class and rehearsals.
4. Surround Yourself With Uplifting People
There will always be classmates who inspire you. Those who work hard, support others, and make the room better. Seek them out. Positivity spreads just as easily as negativity.
5. Speak Up if You Need Help
If someone’s behaviour is affecting you:
Tell a teacher
Speak to a trusted adult
Don’t keep it to yourself
Your wellbeing is important, and you’re never “too old” to ask for help.
For Parents: Supporting Your Child’s Energy
1. Listen Without Fixing Immediately
Sometimes kids don’t need a solution first, they just need to talk about their day. Encourage them to speak with their teachers themselves, before stepping in as a parent.
2. Help Them Choose Healthy Connections
Encourage friendships with peers who are:
Motivated
Kind
Respectful
Positive in class
Gently guide them away from relationships that consistently drain or upset them.
3. Teach the Power of “Neutrality”
Not every negative classmate is worth a strong reaction. Helping kids stay neutral rather than emotional can prevent drama and protect their confidence.
4. Reinforce Boundaries at Home
Remind your child that it’s okay to:
Step away from gossip
Say no to behaviour that makes them uncomfortable
Focus on their own growth
5. Celebrate Their Effort and Character
When children feel secure and supported at home, they are more resilient in challenging social situations.
You Deserve to Shine
Every student at NAPA deserves an environment where they feel safe, supported and excited to learn. Protecting your energy is part of that. When you choose positivity, surround yourself with good people, and set healthy boundaries, you make space for your creativity and confidence to thrive.
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS ARWEN!
This week we’re celebrating Arwen, one of our 1st Year College students. One of her teachers shared, “I just noticed the way she moves through the studio… she’s always helpful, always sets a good example, and is always polite!”
Arwen consistently works hard in every class to achieve her best, and she also gives her time as a student helper. She appeared in several NAPA Ensemble productions this year, on top of her College workload, and is always the first to offer help to her teachers. We’re so proud of the quiet leadership and kindness she brings to NAPA each week.
Congratulations Arwen — we’re so proud of you!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
The Power of Commitment in the Performing Arts
Commitment is one of the strongest indicators of success in the performing arts. Talent will open doors, but commitment is what keeps them open. At NAPA, we see every day how the most dedicated students grow, not only in skill, but in confidence, resilience and professionalism.
In our industry, everything is connected. Directors, choreographers, vocal coaches, stage managers and performers talk to each other. Reputation matters. People naturally want to work with performers who bring positivity, reliability and a strong work ethic into the room. A committed performer lifts the energy of the entire cast, inspires peers, and earns trust. These are the students who get asked back, who are remembered, and who stand out for all the right reasons.
So what does commitment actually look like?
What Commitment Looks Like
Consistent attendance — Showing up, not just when it’s convenient, is the foundation of growth. Every missed rehearsal affects not only you, but the entire ensemble.
Being prepared — Knowing your choreography, lines, harmonies and responsibilities shows respect for your team and your craft.
Positive attitude — Energy is contagious. Bringing enthusiasm and a willingness to try makes you someone others want to work with.
Respectful behaviour — Commitment isn’t just about effort, it’s about kindness, professionalism and teamwork.
Owning your role — Whether you are centre stage or in the ensemble, every part matters. Reliable performers treat every role as important.
How to Be a Well-Respected and Committed Performer
Here are some simple ways students can build a strong, respected reputation in the performing arts world:
Communicate early — If you are sick, injured or unable to attend, let your teachers know as soon as possible.
Come ready to work — Bring your water bottle, shoes, scripts and a focused mindset.
Listen actively — Take corrections with gratitude and apply them quickly.
Support your peers — Celebrate others’ successes and encourage their progress.
Show initiative — Practise at home, rehearse transitions, revise harmonies and review notes without needing to be asked.
Be part of the team — The best performers know the show is bigger than any one person.
Protect your energy — Rest, nourish your body, and look after your mental wellbeing so you can give your best.
Commitment is not a single choice, it’s a habit. It’s shown in the small, everyday actions that strengthen your skills, uplift your classmates and build the kind of reputation that creates opportunities. We are proud of our NAPA students who show this daily and continue to set the standard for what it means to be a true performing artist.
