Setting the Scene

St Patrick's, as a whole school, have been involved in Everyday Theatre and School Drama for the past two years, Te Rito Toi after both lockdowns in 2020 and this year, we are fortunate enough to be a part of a pilot with Mitey through the Sir John Kirwan foundation. We became involved in School Drama in an effort to improve not only student relationships but also raise our literacy achievement following studies through the University of Sydney in conjunction with the Sydney Theatre Company where over a 7week period they noted a significant increase in student literacy.  Te Rito Toi was a natural follow on for us returning to school after both lockdowns. Developed by Peter O’Connor, the site was built in an effort to help teachers work with children when they first return to school following major traumatic or life changing events. Fitting for post lockdown children where building relationships was the key to becoming learning ready.   And Mitey, which is part of the Sir John Ki