Siena shines on national stage with Wakakirri award-winning performance

Siena Catholic Primary School, Sippy Downs has taken centre stage at the 2026 Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival, cementing the top honour among Australia's most creative and talented schools.

The Wakakirri National Dance Story Award recognises excellence in storytelling, creativity, and performance, with Siena's production ‘A Hero Lies in You’ captivating audiences and judges alike through its powerful message about courage, self-belief, and standing up for yourself.

Siena Catholic Primary School performance coordinator Kate Ryan said the award is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the talent, dedication, and teamwork of our students, staff, and families.
 
“We are immensely proud of the way our students committed to the journey, supported one another and represented Siena with excellence on the national stage,” she said.

Kate adds the performance was inspired by the Wakakirri ethos, ‘great stories inspire change’.

“Our students combined drama, dance, and storytelling to deliver a performance that was both moving and memorable,” she said.

“The story explored how finding the courage to stand up for yourself can inspire others to recognise their own strength and self-worth,” Kate adds.

Wakakirri Ambassador Shaleena Bain described the production as "a performance of wonderful emotions, strong energy, a beautifully told story”.

Wakakirri Festival Director Adam Loxley praised the school's creativity and commitment.

"It was wonderful to see Siena bring their story to life with such passion and imagination,” he said.

“This acknowledgment reflects the high quality and creativity that Siena brought to their participation in the Wakakirri festival.”

“The national recognition highlights months of hard work behind the curtain, with students, staff, and families working together to transform an inspiring message into an award-winning stage production,” Kate said.

About the Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival

The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program that helps schools build student engagement and wellbeing through participation in the performing arts.

Schools create and perform Story-Dances in theatres across Australia, while schools in remote and regional communities can participate through Wakakirri Video.

For more information about Siena Catholic Primary School, Sippy Downs or to enrol click here.

Find a Catholic school on the Sunshine Coast today! Click here.

Image caption: Siena Catholic Primary School, Sippy Downs students perform on stage at the 2026 Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival. Image used with permission @winkipopmedia.