Shades of Red Journal

In Term 2, the 2025 Shades of Red visual art and poetry journal was published at an event held in Anzac Hall. This 16th edition of the Shades of Red features the theme, 'step'. Editor-in-Chief, Luke Economos, Year 12, said of the theme, "We aimed to inspire students to look forwards to their future path, while reflecting on the steps they took to reach the present. Steps are a powerful symbol - seen as both a challenge and a way of reaching new heights."

And reach new heights they did! Over 300 students and staff contributed to the the Shades of Red Journal this year, with submissions received from our Early Learning Centre students through to Year 12 students across the disciplines of poetry, art and photography.

The Shades of Red has been spearheaded by English teachers, Ms Melody Marshall and Mr Nick Iadanza since it's inception in 2010. Reflecting on the Shades of Red journey, Mr Iadanza said, "At first it involved a very niche group of entries from the Senior Years. It has now grown to also feature works from Middle Years, Preparatory School and ELC students as well as staff. It is the only co-curricular activity at the school that includes participation from all parts of the College."

When discussing the benefits of a visual arts and poetry journal for boys, Ms Marshall said, "I believe publications such as this can influence the culture of a school. Emotive expression is not always connected to a conventional definition of masculinity, so we take pride in providing tangible opportunities for boys at PAC to do just that."

The launch event featured a stimulating keynote speech by South Australian author, Molly Murn who observed, "Shades of Red...reveals a cohort of bright and expressive young people repairing the world by paying close attention. In your writing, in your art, I see you stepping up to the challenges of what it means to be on this planet in 2025." 

We thank and congratulate our staff, the Committee and most importantly, each student who bravely submitted authentic and compelling content, resulting in this outstanding edition of Shades of Red.