Arts and culture are integral parts of school life – whether performing or producing art for public performances or exhibitions or simply for personal fulfilment and enjoyment, we believe creativity is vital to education.
Visits to art exhibitions, galleries and theatre performances – as well as the hosting of performance groups in the school – ensure that students have wide exposure to the arts. On-stage or backstage, there is an arts and culture experience for everyone.
Students can express themselves in music and drama – from Shakespearian productions to Barbershop and rock bands.
Kapa Haka is an essential part of the school culture and arts programme, and Waikato Diocesan is committed to mutual enrichment and tangata whenua (people of the land), offering cultural assistance and opportunities for our Maaori students.
School productions are a highlight of the arts calendar and music, speech and drama lessons are available to all students.
Involvement in the creative and expressive arts, both in the classroom and through the wealth of extracurricular opportunities we provide, helps to boost students’ confidence and self-esteem, and is a key element of the special Dio spirit.
2023 School Production Cast List
Please click here to see the cast list. Congratulations to all students who were successful in securing a production role.
Curriculum Arts and Technologies on offer at Dio
- Dance (Y9 rotation, Y10 full course, Level 1-3 NCEA)
- Drama (Y9 rotation, Y10 full course, Level 1-3 NCEA)
- Music (Y9 rotation, Y10 full course, Level 1-3 NCEA)
- Visual Art (Y9 rotation, Y10 full course, Level 1-3 NCEA)
- Visual Art - Design (Level 2-3 NCEA)
- Photography (Level 2-3 NCEA)
- Design and Visual Communication (Y9 rotation, Y10 full course, Level 1-3 NCEA)
- Fashion & Design (Y9 rotation, Y10 full course, Level 1-3 NCEA)
- Food Technology (Y9 rotation, Y10 full course, Level 1-3 NCEA)
Extra-Curricular Arts on offer at Dio
Pixie Kickers (Guitar Ensemble)
Jazz Band
Orchestra
Worship Band
Barbershop
Cantiamo Choir
Auditioned Choir (Bel Suono Choir)
Dance Group
School Production
Sheilah Winn Shakespeare
Theatre Sports
Debating
ITgirls
Kapa Haka
Library Helpers
Techy Angels
NOISE Student Magazine
Philosophy and Ethics Club
Junior Drama Club
Performance Lessons and Instrumental Music Groups
To find out more about Arts and Culture opportunities at Dio, check out our Extra Curricular Guide
* Students please sign up using your WDSG email address.
What Our Former Students Say
Arts Honours
Girls who receive an “Arts Honour” are clearly recognised as excelling in their area of expertise. The student will have consistently displayed ability, commitment* and service to the school in the selected Arts activity/discipline. They will have shown enthusiasm, outstanding involvement and spirit as a member of an extra-curricular Arts activity and will be a role model for the Arts. Out of school activities/achievements will be considered but a student MUST be involved in school activities.
The Arts Honours are presented at the Arts Awards evening each year. Junior Honours are awarded based on the same criteria for Years 9 & 10 students.
Due to the nature of arts related disciplines, students must nominate themselves.
*NB: Attendance and contribution will be checked with the person/teacher in charge of discipline.
Waikato Diocesan School Arts Laureate
2008: Abby Dutton
2009: Nathalie Harrington
2010: Tina Sun
2011: Beth Elder
2012: Gwen Lyon
2013: Kelly Greer
2014: Ruby Lyon
2015: Remy Garrett and Keeha Oh
2016: Katherine Garvey
2017: Olivia Thomas
2018: Matiria Moleni
2019: Kate Seager
2020: Lucy Thomas 2021: Isabella Reid 2022 : Alexandra Newman-Jacobs
Contacts (Arts and Culture)
ARTS ADMINISTRATOR
Georgina Hewitt
Email: arts@wdsg.school.nz
Phone: 07 855 2038 extn 2864
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Maria Colvin
Email: mcolvin@wdsg.school.nz
Phone: 07 855 2038 extn 2981
HoD KAUPAPA MAAORI
Faith Tautuhi
Email: ftautuhi@wdsg.school.nz
Phone: 07 8552038 extn 2240
