Parkerville Steiner College’s Class 7 presents Her Three Kings 

The Parkerville Steiner College Class Seven students have been studiously rehearsing and preparing their class play, Her Three Kings, a wonderful story about the incredible life of Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 1100’s. Eleanor of Aquitaine was born c. 1122—died April 1, 1204, in Fontevrault, Anjou, France. In her lifetime she married two kings, at the young age of 15 she was queen consort to Louis VII of France (1137–52) and 15 years later to Henry II of England (1152–1204) and she was also Duchess of Aquitaine 1137-1204. She bore 10 children and was notably the mother of Richard I, (the Lionheart) and John of England. She was an extraordinary woman, beautiful, strong, intelligent, educated and dignified, participating actively in the administration and management of her domains. She was a great supporter and ardent fan of courtly love, poetry, and the famous troubadours who frequented the royal French courts. In the last three years of her life, she retired to Fontrevault Abbey, Anjou and after her passing the nuns of Fontevrault wrote in their necrology, “She was beautiful and just, imposing and modest, humble and elegant, a queen who surpassed almost all the queens of the world.” 

The Class Seven students take on many responsibilities and tasks during the development and performance of a class play, their creativity, inner will, and their kind hearts and sensitive awareness of others all came into focus during this time. All students performed in the play, with a small group of students creating the music and others assisting with set and prop transitions, working together toward a common goal; to bring to life a profound and riveting true story.  

Both the matinee and evening performance at Darlington Hall were a huge success with students coming together to deliver a lovely enactment of Eleanor’s extraordinary life. Despite the challenges of a reduced cast due to sickness, Class Seven did a wonderful job in both performances. 

Much gratitude and appreciation must be given to the wonderful Katie Southall, Hayley Spracklen, Donna Bieundurry, Kirsten Greenshaw (music) for their support and for holding the vision of the Class Seven play, and to the fantastic Eva Rinaldi for the most stunning costumes! 

Jane Diamond 
Drama Teacher  

Class 8 Geography: Cultural Contrasts  

Class Eight have just completed a Geography Main Lesson where they delved into the physical and human geography of both Japan and New Zealand. Beginning with listening to the creation stories of both cultures, Class Eight continued by examining the physical geography of both island nations through looking at maps of both countries, comparing and contrasting these vastly different cultures who have many physical similarities. This Main Lesson saw students learn about precipitation and the different cloud formations, and what sort of weather they indicate.  

Given the choice to explore majestic Mount Fuji in Japan or picturesque Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) fjord on New Zealand’s South Island, students researched and presented their findings in the form of a written project accompanied by some truly beautiful drawing and painting of their chosen location.  

The final week of the Main Lesson saw students learn about the human geography of both countries with a look at their cultures and faith; Shinto and Māori animism, as pictures of culture and religion. They heard about Māori tā moko (traditional Māori tattoos) and how both cultures have a strong respect for nature and the belief that humans cannot control nature, which is something that is reflected in both cultures' creation stories.  

Ethna Brave 
English and Humanities Teacher