Himawari Daiko is Gilles Street Primary School's powerful and vibrant Japanese Taiko drumming ensemble, offering students a truly unique cultural and musical experience. Himawari, meaning sunflower in Japanese, symbolises peace, harmony and the cultural diversity celebrated within our school community. Taiko is a traditional Japanese art form that combines rhythm, movement, voice and teamwork, creating energetic performances that are both visually striking and musically exciting. The program is currently open to students in years 3 to 6. 

Established in 2002, Himawari Daiko has become a highly respected performance group, appearing at community events and special functions for government leaders and international guests, giving students the opportunity to play in some of Adelaide's most iconic and cherished performance venues. The ensemble is trained by Paulene Thomas, who studied at the Taiko Centre of Kyoto, ensuring students learn authentic techniques and traditions. Himawari Daiko performances showcase the energy, discipline and teamwork of our students. The group is available for hire for community events and performances.

To enquire about Himawari Daiko performances, please contact Gilles Street Primary School office.

JunKIDZ is Gilles Street Primary School's innovative junk percussion band for students in Years 3 to 6, offering a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Born from a group of students who wanted to make music without traditional instruments or prior training, junKIDZ has grown into a dynamic ensemble where creativity, rhythm and imagination lead the way. Students explore sound, movement and musical expression while developing confidence, teamwork, resilience, responsibility, respect, inclusion and kindness.

junKIDZ performances are high-energy, interactive and unforgettable, having thrilled audiences at events such as the Festival of Music and the South Australian of the Year Awards. The program encourages students to experiment, innovate and take ownership of their performances, celebrating the joy of music made from everyday materials. junKIDZ isn't just a band - it's a bold, exciting space where young performers push the boundaries of creativity while connecting with their peers and the wider community.

Middle Pop is Gilles Street Primary School's junior primary choir enrichment program for students in Years 1 to 4, providing a joyful introduction to singing, performance and creative expression. Through weekly rehearsals, students develop confidence, teamwork and a sense of belonging while exploring the fundamentals of music and performance. The program, which embeds the school's values of responsibility, respect, resilience, inclusion and kindness, helps students grow not just as musicians and performers, but as confident and collaborative members of the school community.

Middle Pop students have opportunities to perform at school events, charity functions, special celebrations throughout the year, celebrating their achievements and contributing to the wider community. As a pathway program to Senior Voices, Middle Pop nurtures a love of music and performance in a supportive, fun environment, encouraging students to take the next step in their musical journey while enjoying the experience of performing together.

Senior Voices is Gilles Street Primary School's Year 5 and 6 choir program, proudly participating in the Festival of Music each year. Through Senior Voices, students explore vocal techniques, performance skills and ensemble collaboration while experiencing the joy and excitement of sharing music with audiences. Beyond musical development, the program fosters teamwork, social connection, wellbeing and literacy skills, making it a highly valued part of our school's enrichment opportunities.  Our school has a rich history with the Festival of Music, having been involved in one of its very first concerts over 135 years ago, and students continue to contribute in multiple ways through singing in the choir, performing in the orchestra, joining the performance troupe, as soloist, choreography leaders and guest artists. The Festival of Music, recognised as a state heritage icon, is a cornerstone of arts education in South Australia, and our participation allows students to develop musical skills, confidence and a sense of community. Families and students look forward to this annual celebration of talent, creativity and inclusivity, and it plays a vital role in nurturing young performers and sustaining South Australia's rich musical heritage. Learn more at the Festival of Music website.

Instrumental Music Students in Years 3 to 6 at Gilles Street Primary School have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument through our Instrumental Music enrichment program. Learning an instrument is a wonderful way for students to build confidence, develop perseverance and experience the joy of making music while extending their learning beyond the classroom.

Instrumental lessons are offered through the Department for Education Instrumental Music Service as well as Private Music Instructors who run lessons at the school. Students can learn instruments such as violin, viola, cello, acoustic guitar, drums and keyboard, with lessons delivered in small groups or paired sessions during the school day. These programs provide students with valuable opportunities to develop their musical skills and enjoy being part of our school's vibrant music culture.

Gilles Street Primary School provides a range of after-school sporting opportunities for students, helping them stay active while building teamwork and school spirit. Sports offered include Australian Rules Football, field hockey, netball, and basketball, giving students the chance to represent the school and compete against other schools.These programs are proudly supported by parent volunteers who act as coaches, creating a strong community environment while providing students with positive role models and opportunities to further develop their skills and enjoyment of sport.

Gilles Street Primary School is located within the East Adelaide District. Our students have the opportunity to represent the district at state carnivals in Athletics, Swimming, and Cross Country, as well as trial for a range of other sports. These opportunities allow students to challenge themselves against competitors from across the state while promoting an active and positive sporting culture.

At Gilles Street Primary School, we value student voice and believe leadership opportunities empower students to develop confidence, responsibility and a strong sense of belonging. We provide a range of inclusive leadership pathways that allow students to contribute meaningfully to school life and help shape our community.

Students can take on leadership roles through the Student Representative Council (SRC), an elected body where students nominate and participate in a peer-led voting process, and the Student Agency Group (StAG), which is self-nominated and open to any student passionate about leadership, agency and school improvement. Both groups play an active role in fundraising initiatives, leading school-wide projects from planning through to completion, and supporting the celebration of special events throughout the year. Leadership opportunities are further extended through our Student Captain roles, available to Year 5 and Year 6 students. Student leaders represent their peers, model positive behaviour, support school events and act as ambassadors for the school community.

We also foster leadership and connection through our Buddy Program, which pairs older students with younger children across the school. Buddy classes promote kindness, collaboration and responsibility, with older students acting as mentors and role models. The program supports positive relationships, builds confidence and creates a welcoming, supportive experience for all students.

Through these leadership and agency opportunities, students at Gilles Street Primary School are encouraged to use their voice, take initiative and develop skills that prepare them for future pathways and active citizenship.

At Gilles Street Primary School, we acknowledge that we learn and play on Kaurna land, and we pay our respects to the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We honour their enduring connection to Country and recognise their deep knowledge, culture and continuing contribution to our community.

We are committed to culturally responsive practice, guided by the Department for Education’s principles of Knowing, Doing and Being. We build our understanding of Aboriginal cultures and histories, embed this knowledge into our teaching and learning programs, and reflect on our values to ensure our practices are respectful, authentic and inclusive.

This commitment is reflected in our everyday practice. Students engage in learning experiences that incorporate Aboriginal perspectives across the curriculum, including connection to Country, storytelling, language and culture. We recognise and celebrate important events such as NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week, providing opportunities for students to deepen their understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

We also prioritise building strong partnerships with families and the wider community. Our school is a place where every student and family is welcomed, valued and respected. We celebrate the rich diversity of our community and work collaboratively with families from all cultural backgrounds to foster a strong sense of belonging for all.