That was the message one of our Arts Mentors, Vanda Symon, gave to our students. Novelist, Vanda, composer and performer of ‘taonga puoro’, Rob Thorne and Graphic Designer, Alex Gilks worked with selected students on Wednesday.

Throughout the day, students were able to work with mentors in their particular field, discussing process, and technique while creating work to be shown and performed at that evening's Festival of Arts and Culture.

The panel discussion, lead by HOD Visual Art, Blair Kennedy, was an opportunity for the school community to engage with the mentors and to hear stories about how they have carved out a profession from their passion. The overriding message that came through was to believe in yourself and what you are doing and to keep going.....and keep going....and keep going!

As always, we are extremely grateful to our mentors for giving so generously of their time and energy.