St Joseph’s Primary School Early Childhood Education (ECE) students opened the Rarotonga Schools Culture Festival on Wednesday night, delighting the audience with the heartfelt performance at Te Are Kariori Nui/National Auditorium.

Over 1500 people were thrilled by the impressive performance of 160-plus Apii St. Joseph’s students at the Rarotonga Schools Culture Festival’s opening.

The school’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) students through to Year 6 graced the Are Karioi Nui stage, performing intermittently with heartfelt expressions.

The event started with an opening hymn performed by Apii Papaaroa followed by the opening prayer by Orometua Une Ngametua. Speakers on the night were Maara Scheel, chairlady of the Rarotonga Schools Cultural Festival Committee, who delivered the welcoming address, followed by the Minister of Te Maraurau o te Pae Api'i/Ministry for Education Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, who declared the event open.

Six schools performed on Wednesday night, each bringing their own cultural performing arts to the stage for their proud parents and families.

The Rarotonga Schools Culture Festival concluded last night with performances from the remaining schools.

The event also provided senior students, especially from Tereora College, Nukutere College and Titikaveka College, a perfect opportunity to prepare for the 60^th Te Maeva Nui festival, the biggest event of the year.