Cultural opportunities play a significant role in the life of Villa Maria College. We foster, nurture and grow the talents of our girls over the years they are with us. A vibrant cultural programme, where girls can seize opportunities, is central to our inclusive philosophy here at Villa.
Girls are encouraged to embrace their God-given talents, whether that is performing with the Pasifika or Kapa Haka groups, singing in one of our choirs, taking to the stage in the annual production, or playing an instrument – it’s all about being involved and having fun.
Taloha ni, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa atu, Ni sa bula, Kia ora, Talofa lava, Greetings
The Villa Maria Pasifika Group encompasses Year 9 to 13 girls and provides a wealth of opportunities for friendships, support and leadership roles. An annual fixture for the group is their participation and performance at the Christchurch Secondary Schools Pacific Island Festival, sPACIFICally PACIFIC, where the girls perform live on stage to an enormous crowd – a sight to behold!
Toku reo toku ohooho
My language, my awakening.
My language, my awakening.
Villa Maria College’s Kapa Haka group has performed at regional competitions with expert training and support from staff, parents and whānau. Kapa Haka at Villa Maria provides leadership opportunities for our students as well as the exploration and expression of Māori culture through song and dance.
The College choral programme is now fully integrated featuring three choirs; Prima Voce for Years 7-10; Con Brio and Vivace for Years 10-13. Vivace is our elite choir, members are hand picked from within Con Brio. Our choirs have often made the national finale of the Big Sing Competition.
Expert singing lessons are provided in individual and group settings making them accessible and affordable for everyone.
Our choirs are regularly selected as finalists for The Big Sing NZ competition. In past years, we have been awarded the coveted Gold and Silver awards, and we are proud of our girls, who show exceptional commitment to their craft.
Our Music Department is a vibrant hub of activity and full of opportunities for Villa girls. Music is a compulsory component of Years 7,8 and 9. In Years 10,11,12 and 13 music is an optional subject choice. Students can learn a variety of instruments from our Itinerant Music Teachers and join one of our many music groups that include:
- Jazz Band
- Percussion Ensemble
- Junior and Senior Orchestra
- Saxophone Ensemble
- Rock Band
The Music Department performs ‘Showcase Concerts’ twice a year and enters musical groups in many local, regional and national competitions. Read more about Music at Villa
Each year students have the opportunity to take part in a major musical production which is produced in conjunction with St Thomas of Canterbury College. This production is hosted at Villa in alternate (odd) years. During the ‘even’ years students have the opportunity to participate in “Showquest”.
Performance opportunities are encouraged and there are public productions at year 11, 12 and 13 year levels in Drama. Theatre Sports is offered to junior students as an extra-curricular opportunity.
Year 13 Drama Production
Year 13 students perform each year as part of their NCEA level 3 course work.
Villa Maria College has a strong debating and public speaking culture.We offer girls a wide range of opportunities including:
- Junior and Senior Debating teams in the Canterbury Inter-schools’ Competitions
- The annual Bishop Lyons’ Shield competition between other Canterbury Catholic schools which includes debating, prepared speeches, impromptu speeches, scripture readings and religious questions
- The Riccarton Rotary Club Speech Competitions
- Russell McVeagh Regional Debating Championship
