Arts Education at its Best

Wakakirri would like to extend a BIG congratulations and thank you to all the 184 schools who took part in Wakakirri 2022. “It was so great to see schools back on stage after two years of disruptions” said Festival Director Adam Loxley. “We appreciate the effort all the teachers put in this year to navigate the lingering effects of Covid and think they deserve extra praise. They really are special people.”

After an amazing 2022 season (with no Covid cancelled shows!) Wakakirri is winding up the year with a showcase of this year's national award winning schools and their ‘behind the scenes’ stories. These schools' performances and their answers to the question “why did you choose to tell this story?” are an inspiring insight into arts education in our schools today.

Wakakirri is a national Story-Dance Festival that helps schools develop student engagement and well-being through participation in the performing arts. Schools participate by creating Story-Dances which they perform in live theatres in capital cities and selected regional areas around Australia. Schools’ performances are inspired by the Wakakirri ethos ‘great stories inspire change’. Registrations for Wakakirri 2023 are now open.

Here are a few examples of this year's national award winning schools and their ‘behind the scenes’ stories. The full list of award winning schools can be found at www.wakakirri.com

Mooroolbark College, Vic
National Environmental Award
“The True Cost”
Mooroolbark College's Story Examines The Misconnection Between Garment Workers and Consumers Within the Fast Fashion Industry.

Mooroolbark are a first time Wakakirri school whose ‘Wakakirri Squad’ exclusively consists of Burmese/Chin State students who come from refugee and trauma backgrounds. Responding to the question "who-made-my-clothes?" their Story-Dance work reveals the hands behind the clothes we wear. “We were inspired by the 30th birthday signature motif of RISE representing optimism and change. We are optimistic that involvement this year will provide hope for our students and a chance to change their lives”.

Christies Beach Primary School, SA
National Reconciliation Australia Award
"Always Was, Always Will Be"
Christies Beach Story Explores The Stolen Generations and the Impact on the Identity Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Peoples Taken Away From Their Families.

“We thought that Wakakirri would be the best avenue to give our students a deep understanding of this generational trauma, which is still being felt today and why it is so important as a part of Reconciliation to learn about our true/shared history.”

St Joseph's School, Hectorville SA
National Human Rights Award
‘Fight For Justice’
St Joseph’s Story is an Exploration of Homelessness in Big Cities

“Our school community supports the following charities throughout the year: Project Compassion, Flood appeal, St Vinnies Winter appeal, Childhood Cancer, Catherine House, Biggest Morning Tea and the St Vinnies Christmas appeal. Our story-dance theme this year is a reflection of all our fundraising efforts at the school. We do what we can to help one-another and together we fight for what is right and just”.