Second generation graduate Amadeus
Laura O’Connor, who Graduated from Cape Byron in 2002, saw her son Amadeus do the same this year as a graduate of 2024. Amadeus will be our first second generation graduate! Starting at Cape Byron in Kindergarten 2013, Amadeus has travelled through to complete Class 12.
This year, Amadeus was recognised for his ingenious busking guitar case, which addresses a real need for street performers. His all-in-one design incorporates an inbuilt amp, speakers, and a money pocket, allowing buskers to perform with ease and efficiency. Amadeus’s project is a shining example of thoughtful design and problem-solving, demonstrating his dedication and attention to detail.
Congratulations Amadeus!
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Outstanding HSC Achievements
Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its HSC students, with an extraordinary eleven nominations for Best in State across a variety of disciplines. These nominations are a testament to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our students and the support of their teachers and families.
Among the outstanding students is Misha Fligelman for her Creative Non-Fiction composition ‘Apoptosis’, which examines the effect of illness on the family dynamic in a creative, lyrical and darkly humorous style. Misha’s work draws upon her love of science, framing the deleterious effects of trauma on the family unit with the cellular disintegration process of the eponymous apoptosis function in the human cell. The work is beautifully crafted, moving and deeply personal, yet appealing to any reader who has experienced significant family trauma. Misha’s work demonstrates her commitment to achieving excellence in the Extension 2 course, being the result of months of work over several drafts.
In Design and Technology Charlotte Killenberger, was nominated for Best in State for her contemporary easel study desk. Recognising the staggering 48,000 tonnes of furniture discarded in Australia each year, largely due to the use of short-lived materials like MDF and particleboard, Charlotte sought to create a long-lasting, functional, and aesthetic alternative. Her minimalist design features handleless drawers, an art easel conversion, and a clever carry groove, all of which demonstrate her exceptional design and construction skills.
Koa Connable also received a Best in State nomination for his innovative and eco-conscious surfboard design. Concerned with the environmental impact of traditional surfboard materials such as fiberglass and foam, Koa developed a board made from a recycled surfboard blank, with paulownia wooden skins and cork rails. This design not only reflects his creativity and craftsmanship but also his deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
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The school’s HSC Drama students also delivered outstanding performances, securing an incredible seven nominations for OnSTAGE, which recognises the best drama performances in NSW. Maysa Walton was nominated for her moving and complex solo performance that interweaves historical and creation stories of the Solomon Islands. From the sinking of Teonimenu to the Japanese invasion during World War II, her piece captivated the audience with its emotional depth and storytelling.
Sophie Brazenor was nominated for her powerful adaptation of Prima Facie, a two-hour play she transformed into an intense eight-minute performance. Prima Facie as a condensed adaptation of Suzie Miller’s seminal play, distilling the powerful narrative of a barrister’s confrontation with the legal system and her own trauma induced by sexual assault into a gripping, high-stakes solo performance.
Additionally, the group of Bianca Feruglio, Melea Knight , Olive Morris, Maysa, and Sophie received a nomination for their self-devised physical theatre piece. Their performance explored the heartbreaking journeys of individuals whose experience of love had spiralled into abuse. Their raw portrayal of this deeply human experience moved the audience, showcasing their talent in physical expression and emotional resonance.
In the realm of music, Nomi Ben Harush, a gifted HSC Music student, was recognised for her exceptional talent as both a singer and songwriter. Her powerful voice and emotional depth have made a lasting impact on her peers, teachers, and audiences alike. Nomi’s nomination for Best in State highlights her versatility as a performer, her ability to connect deeply with her music, and her passion for creating meaningful work. If selected, she will have the extraordinary opportunity to perform at the Sydney Opera House, marking a significant milestone in her musical career. Her dedication to refining her craft and her innate talent have set her on a promising path for the future.
Included in the photos below are Maysa and Nomi (courtesy of Peter Derrett).
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Further congratulations also goes to Sadie Dubb for her Visual Arts Body of Work nominated for consideration in ARTEXPRESS, which is an annual showcase of HSC Visual Arts works, and will be exhibited at various galleries around NSW throughout 2025.
These nominations celebrate the extraordinary talents of Cape Byron’s students across a range of creative disciplines. Each nomination is a testament to the unique spirit of innovation, passion, and dedication that thrives at our school, and we are immensely proud of every student who has worked so hard to achieve this level of recognition.
