3 minute read
ONEMAKER ACADEMY
How did it start and what does it offer now?
It is encouraging to reflect on what was, what is now and what the future holds, being reminded of God’s goodness in life, His love, His care and His guidance. As I reflect on the OneMaker Academy journey it is evident through its leadership, operational decisions and the staff, parent and student involvement that the focus is to honour God in all that it provides.
Humble beginnings...
Music and dance were always a part of the many School musical productions throughout past years and a central part of the 1988 Bicentenary. Dance, Music and Band programs were held after school and developed under the name of Pacific Hills Academy as a user-pay option for Pacific Hills students.
It was an exciting day when the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) was officially opened in 2011.
In 2012, it was realised that Pacific Hills could offer a wonderful opportunity to share the Performing Arts programs in a Christian setting with the wider community. At the end of 2012, the name changed from Pacific Hills Academy to OneMaker Academy, known as OMA, and in 2013 Rowan Tombs, who was a Band Conductor and well known in the local area, was appointed as Director.
His role was to build the current programs alongside providing private music and singing tuition before, during and after school hours. In this way, Pacific Hills students as well as members of the wider community could participate.
Rowan’s connections with the wider community led him to invite the principal of Dural Public School to commence an OMA Band program. The DPS Band program as it is known began with one class and eventually developed into a Beginner and a Senior Band program.
OneMaker Dance flourished under Miss Kaitlin Nunn in the early years. In 2014 Miss Ashley Crimmins, who had been dancing at Hillsong joined OneMaker Academy and worked alongside Kaitlin to grow the program. In 2015 Ashley became the Head of Dance.
With Rowan’s departure, I was delighted to take on the Directorship of OneMaker Academy in 2016.
With the support of Ben Yabsley-Bell, who was Head of Bands, Miss Crimmins and the committed Christian tutors, I felt excited for the future and the growth of the next stage of the OMA venture.
Exceptional Growth and Competitive Wins...
Student numbers continued to increase at an exceptional rate even to the current date. There are currently 900 students in classes each week with over 500 dance enrolments participating in 43 weekly classes. With many private instrumental, singing and drama lessons, the Band program offers 14 String Ensembles, Jazz, Rock Groups, Bands and two Choirs allowing a wide range of choice for the students.
Our students in both Dance and Music have achieved exceptional results over the past few years. Eisteddfod wins for both our Bands and Dance groups resulted in our OneMaker Academy Dance being chosen to compete in the Dance Life Unite National Championship. It was the most thrilling moment when our Elite team were announced winners at the National Championship.
Unique Focus...
OneMaker Academy is unique in that the centre of our teaching is based on Biblical principles. We encourage our students to love each other as Christ loves us and love themselves as we have been made in the image of God. The students are reminded to work hard, master their skills and use the gifts given to them to bring enjoyment to others and thankfulness to God. Philippians 4:4-7(below) are the verses that represent the present and the future for OneMaker Academy.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
