I agree with you on this one. Being able to take theater, art, and perform in plays, also speech contests during high school - saved my sanity. Prior to that I did it outside of high school. I may not do it now - but it did help, and because of it? I overcame a speech impediment, which doesn't exist now.

It's not shallow at all. Music, performing arts, band, choir, plays, art - are needed. They are as important as an athletics program. Can you keep looking? I don't know what schools are like in Australia. (I think you are in Australia.)