Arts celebrated at Garin College

Every year at Garin College the entire school gets involved in Mahi Toi, a two-day celebration of the arts.
Held on June 21 and 22, the students participated in various workshops, visual art exhibitions and performing arts. “It’s been so great and so cool to watch the kids supporting each other. What staff tend to love most about Mahi Toi is seeing the talent the students have,” says art coordinator Lisa DeVries.
The event kicked off on Thursday morning with an opening ceremony by the four houses, before the students were treated to an entertaining teachers skit that prompted plenty of laughter and cheers.
Various student performances followed including a rousing rendition of Michael Boltons Hallelujah by the year 13 boys. “I liked the whole opening show, it was fun and funny as well. I think it’s cool that Mahi Toi is such a big thing at our school,” says year 11 Rhiannon Phillips. With eight different workshops on offer ranging from drama to music to fashion, the students engaged in the wide-variety that supports so many interests. During the term they’ve been busy planning and preparing their house singing, dance, speech, drama, comedy, poetry, solo music and group performances among others, and over the two-days of Mahi Toi these came to fruition. The RAW (recycled and wearable art) competition and fashion parade is always a highlight and this year more than 50 students participated and were judged by WOW representatives.
On July 4 and 5 the best of the Mahi Toi performances will be included in a Showcase Performance held at Hope Church.