Cullinane College

04/09/2026

REMINDER - PRACTICE & CAA EXAMS ARE UNDERWAY NEXT WEEK:

04/09/2026

HADESTOWN UPDATE:
Last night we had our opening of ‘Hadestown: Teen Edition’. After months of practicing we finally brought everything together and had our first performance in front of an audience. The audience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and students are already warming up for tonight's performance. Only two performances to go so make sure to get along and not miss out on this outstanding show.

04/09/2026

HADESTOWN TICKET GIVEAWAY
Hadestown leads, Orpheus and Hades, have drawn the lucky winner for a family pass to see Hadestown Teen Edition on Saturday night, kindly donated by Whanganui Performing Arts. Congratulations to Kirianna Wineera.

03/09/2026

TIME AMMENDED:
Interested in getting involved in our school community?
We are looking to grow and strengthen our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and would love to hear from parents, caregivers, whānau and wider community members who are interested in being involved.
The PTA is a great way to connect with other families, support school initiatives and events, help with fundraising, and contribute to our wider school community.
Come along to an informal PTA Information Evening to hear more, share ideas, and find out how you might like to be involved.

Date: Thursday 17 September
Time: 6.30pm
Where: Cullinane College

There is no obligation to take on a formal role within the PTA - we welcome anyone who would simply like to learn more or lend a hand from time to time.
Please email your expression of interest to the Assistant Principal, Christina Belton: [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

03/09/2026

SHC Honours Board Replacement UPDATE:
Please see the letter attached for assistance in helping us with the SHC Honours Board. A big thank you to everyone who has contacted the school or added info to our previous posts. The second picture is the names we currently have (updated), and the information we are missing. If you have any additional info, please place this in the comment section and please highlight the award the individual received. Thank you!

03/09/2026

INFO FOR OUR STUDENTS:

03/09/2026

WHAT AN AMAZING WRITE UP:
Have you got your tickets?

Cullinane College present ‘Hadestown’ at the Opera House

Cullinane College is producing the popular ‘Hadestown: The Teen Edition’ at the Royal Whanganui Opera House this Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the shows starting at 6.30pm. Tickets cost $25.

The rights to produce Hadestown came out only this year and very few groups have done it so far, with Cullinane leading the way.

It is being produced by Sarah Riley Head of Drama and Dance and Jamie Henare, Head of Music. There is a cast of 32 with a backstage of 12.

The context is that of Orpheus and the Underworld, but set in the 1930s Great Depression in New Orleans, USA. There are different layers of meaning, with unemployed workers being tempted by Hades to go down into the underworld (to where they would become slaves to machines) after the spring brought in by Persephone had ended.

Sarah and Jamie said that they had kept elements of the original Broadway show to give it authenticity while putting in their own touches. The two of them have worked together on shows before while Jamie has performed in his own right including in the lead role of Jean Valjean in the recent Amdram production of Les Misérables. Sarah has produced 5 shows including one which she wrote herself.

Jamie is in charge of the Technology of Lights while Sarah is in charge of the Technology of Costuming which has included making most of the costumes.
A number of the performers have recently returned from competing in Kapa Haka, bringing their experience on stage to this show.

The Cullinane Design and Technology teacher Steve Costello with the help of James Sullenberger from Whanganui High School, built a revolving stage, co-operating for “the love of performing arts.” There is even a specialist lighting person coming from Auckland.

Hadestown as a relatively new show has the added attraction for most people of not knowing what is coming next. It promises to be a great show.

Photo: The cast on stage including the revolving stage.

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

Interested in getting involved in our school community?
We are looking to grow and strengthen our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and would love to hear from parents, caregivers, whānau and wider community members who are interested in being involved.
The PTA is a great way to connect with other families, support school initiatives and events, help with fundraising, and contribute to our wider school community.
Come along to an informal PTA Information Evening to hear more, share ideas, and find out how you might like to be involved.

Date: Thursday 17 September
Time: 6.00pm
Where: Cullinane College

There is no obligation to take on a formal role within the PTA - we welcome anyone who would simply like to learn more or lend a hand from time to time.
Please email your expression of interest to the Assistant Principal, Christina Belton: [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

01/09/2026

School Photo Orders Reminder
On the 18th and 19th August, our students participated in School Photo Days. Sporting, and club photographs were taken by Brendan Lodge Photography, and these photos are now available for purchase.
To order your photos, please visit the website below and navigate to the Online Ordering section:
www.shootme.co.nz
Please note that all photo orders must be placed by Friday, 11 September.
If you have any questions regarding photo orders, please contact Brendan Lodge Photography directly through their website.
Thank you for your support

‘Photography is a powerful essential means of communication’ Brendan is a down to earth kiwi bloke with over 30 years experience in the photography industry. Providing professional, unique and creative photographic services to clients throughout New Zealand. Let’s talk about how we can photogr...