In Term 4 of last year a group of junior students undertook a mural art project that reflected the school's values of Manaakitanga (putting others before yourself), Ako (learning together), Rangatiratanga (managing oneself and showing leadership), and Kotahitanga (working together).

Inspiring messages were revealed through 17 colourful, creative, thought-provoking murals. The murals were the students' own reflections and understanding of these values communicated through a visual format. They started work on them in November and completed them in early December ready for their exhibition at the Arts Junction in Katikati. Two students, Laura Hoskin and Akira Cook, who painted the mural "Relax" to represent the value of Kotahitanga (unity), commented: 'We made this piece because we were disappointed by the lack of representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and wanted to contribute to normalising different sexualities.'

The students were very excited to showcase their murals to the Katikati Community and wider audience via the Arts Junction exhibition space -- even Coromandel MP Scott Simpson was thrilled to see the students' artwork.
The 17 murals will be mounted in various locations throughout the school so students, staff and visitors can reflect on their meaning.