The Arts Council had a very positive and successful year in 2022, with lots of new events and large amounts of participation, we couldn’t have asked for a better turn out.

Our focus this year was to use the art disciplines to bring students together, especially with the start of the year being so unsettled. As a Council, we wanted there to be a strong sense of whanaungatanga, particularly for the new students and Year 9s coming to Avonside during such an uncertain period. I think we achieved this with our range of compelling and uplifting activities which gave many opportunities for involvement.

Term 2 was when the Arts Council really got on our feet, with our first on site event for the year being a lunchtime Jump Jam dance session. We had a huge crowd of students form in front of our amazing leaders Zarah and Tamara, all dancing together to the nostalgic tunes. Students were requesting songs they had remembered from their primary school days and there was much encouragement and laughter all round. It was a great first taste of what the Arts Council had planned to come.

To end Term 2, we organised for some Avonside and Shirley Boys bands to perform, which is always a favourite among staff and students. We are lucky to have a perfect outdoor stage area in our shared courtyard which quickly got filled up with many supportive and excited students to watch some very talented performers. We especially love this event because it provides a comfortable space for these bands to gain experience performing in front of a crowd as well as encourages new and aspiring talent to perform next time, as we tend to do this event multiple times.

Term 3 is always a massive term for the Arts Council as we have Gala Day, Arts Week, and the Arts Colours Assembly to plan. Starting off with Gala Day, this year we continued the nostalgic theme and sourced some Loom Bands. Students made bracelets and other creations while listening to a throwback playlist which many enjoyed. Arts week consists of a lunchtime activity every day of the week as well as the Arts Assembly. This year we kicked it off with dancing in the dark on the Monday, we turned off the lights and turned up the music in our small theatre and let people enjoy a judgment free dance party with friends and glow-sticks of course! On Tuesday, we did our annual teacher vs students theatre sports competition where Mrs Law, Ms Coulter, Mrs Shaw, and Ms Patrick won, taking the crown from our senior theatre sports team who won last year. We took a bit of a breather on the Wednesday, organising a relaxing Bob Ross painting tutorial for students to paint along with a video of a wonderful landscape. On Thursday, we did another Jump Jam dance session since it was such a hit in Term 2 and finally, to end the week and term with a bang, we organised another band performance on the Friday. We held our Arts Colours assembly where we acknowledged the many dedicated and talented Art students at Avonside.

We are so proud of the collaboration from the Arts Council this year. It is always such a wonderful group to be a part of and lead. The enthusiasm, creativity and positive energy is highly appreciated and is what made all our events so successful. Thank you all, especially Ms Shaw for overseeing everything and always supporting, encouraging, and pushing us to be our best. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Jessica Kennington and Blythe Yule

Head and Deputy Head of Arts Council