Last week was chokka with creative activity. We returned from the tranquility of King’s Birthday straight into the frenetic energy of Arts Week, commencing with Wai’ Factor Heats on Tuesday.

We had so many entries this year that the school was entertained from Tuesday through to Friday lunchtimes with student talents ranging from violin to poetry! There was an exhibition of artwork in three different locations 1). the junior-block showcased the whānau ‘Alphabet-Competition’ photos 2). senior and junior art was showcased in the Hall Foyer and 3) the library displayed the Yr 11 Print-making.

On Wednesday's interval we were treated to the Big Sing Choir’s four songs that they competed with in Dunedin this past Monday. Many a Sunday evening and countless hours have been devoted to refining their performance so it was great to support their fun and dynamic rehearsal. We had the Arts Quiz on Thursday whānau and B2 absolutely smashed it. On Thursday interval, us complete singing novices had our own crack at singing … karaoke! I couldn’t help but notice how much better my vocals are in the shower.

On Friday, there were some VERY excited whānau classes and even more excited, and competitive, teachers! We had been inundated with entries for Wai Factor this year - 14/16 whānau elected to take to the stage!!! It was therefore decided that the entire afternoon be dedicated to Wai’ Factor and we still only just squeezed in the final act. It was a truly celebratory atmosphere and so awesome that everyone shrugged off their inhibition to play their part. We had a near Broadway-worthy ‘Annie’ performance from Ms Gillies whānau, an inspirational Greatest Showman, and Miss Hueppauff made a very convincing (blonde?) Cher. However, at the end of the day only one whānau can win and it was a stupendous moment for Gibson 1! But this was the background fun and fluff for the real talent. Every finalist brought their A-game, but it’s tough to beat out Winnie and Olivia, who are quite the seasoned professionals after all their Rockquest prep and performances. Well done you girls and all the best for qualifying for the National Rockquest Finals in a few week’s time!

Thanks to all the students and teachers, particularly Mrs Hellier, that supported Arts Week. It is a cultural showcase but it’s also an important way to highlight that creative expression takes many forms. We’re all endowed with a bit of creativity, we just need to coax it out more often!