Apii Mauke is looking bolder and brighter thanks to the 55 students who completed their art curriculum for Term 4, designing and painting murals, fabric and crafts.

The whole school was happily involved in the one week art project (November 28 to December 5), from the Year 1, 2 and 3 Early Childhood learning (ECE) students to NCEA Level 1.

Principal of Apii Mauke, Teata Purea-Ateriano said the students were given two hours each day to work on their activities from the planning stage to its completion, addressing the themes of - culture, tradition and the environment.

For the first time, parents were invited to witness the students presentations of their art project, in the past usually only the students and teachers would be present.

“It was wonderful to see the good number of parents attend the presentation,” said Purea-Ateriano.

The students from each level showed a high level of interest and had the skills to plan and carry out their high standard of art work.

One of the highlights of the project was the “excitement” on the kid’s faces during the whole week, she added.

Not having enough paint brushes was a bit of a challenge, however, the students were happy with what they had, living in the Pa Enua the children get used to making do with what’s available.

The Year 4, 5, 6 students focused on designing ‘flowers’ for cushion covers while the Year 7, 8, 9, 10 students concentrated on the mural paintings.