What our parents say about Fintona

My child feels valued and supported. She loves traditions like Shakespeare Day and end of year House Drama.

Shakespeare Day

To be or not to be, that is the question ^Hamlet

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Now in its 71st year, Shakespeare Day is an integral and vital feature of the culture at Fintona.

Shakespeare Day at Fintona began as a celebration of the playwright's birthday, on the 23rd of April. In the 1930s, the English department of the school asked students to read some of Shakespeare's sonnets at an assembly to commemorate the day. Later, actual performances of scenes from various plays were enacted in the quadrangle where performers could use the wonderful setting with its balconies and stairs to full effect.

The tradition thrives today. Often, past students who visit Fintona inquire whether Shakespeare Day is still being celebrated!

Within the English curriculum, students from Years 9 to 11 and the Year 12 Literature class study a Shakespearean play. The students then form groups to perform a scene of their choice to the class, for which they rehearse and memorise lines. The class votes a winning performance to appear on that special occasion, Shakespeare Day.

Unless it rains, the event is staged in the stately quadrangle arena that lends itself beautifully to an Elizabethan atmosphere. An award, given to the best performer at each year level, has recently been introduced, and a Cup is awarded to the best entry overall. In 2009, the plays featured Much Ado About Nothing, The Merchant of Venice, Macbeth and Hamlet. The independent adjudicator commented on how impressed she was with the sheer originality, passion and variety exhibited by the girls, from scenes including groups, dialogues and a solo performance.