The votes are in, the portraits are hanging, and the winners of Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) 2026 Portrait Prize have been announced.
Now in its fifth year, the SCS Portrait Prize serves as a powerful platform to recognise and celebrate outstanding Visual Arts students, setting a high standard of excellence for emerging talent across K–12. This year, 93 outstanding works from across 40 Sydney Catholic Schools have been selected to be showcased at the McGlade Gallery, Australian Catholic University Strathfield from 10-19 December 2026.
By capturing the likeness of someone close to their heart, students develop not only their artistic technique but also their emotional awareness and confidence as young creative thinkers.
Congratulations to the following students whose artworks were recognised as the outstanding entries in their categories:
Executive Director’s Award
Ace Khanal | St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Stanmore
Director, Education & Research Award
Isabella Baran | Mount St Joseph Catholic College Milperra
Kevin Carragher, Director Education & Research, reflected on what made Isabella’s work stand out.
“Isabelle Baran’s portrait displays exceptional technical skill and sensitivity, capturing the dignity and inner life of her subject with remarkable intimacy in black and white. The confidence of her drawing, control of tone, and emotional depth speak to both the power of portraiture and the importance of the arts in helping young people see and honour the humanity of others. It is extraordinary to see such maturity at this age, and a delight to imagine what Isabelle will continue to create in the years ahead!”
5 – 8 Years
Winner | Ivanna Do | Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Randwick
Honourable Mention | Ace Khanal | St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Stanmore
9 – 12 Years
Winner | Jonathan Goenawan and Chloe Hill | St Joseph’s Primary School, Riverwood and Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Menai
Honourable Mention | Florence Akouri | All Hallows Primary School, Five Dock
13 – 15 Years
Winner | Sienna Dos Santos | Corpus Christi College, Maroubra
Honourable Mention | Rose Atherton | Clancy Catholic College, West Hoxton
16 – 18 Years
Winner | Nicole Cheng | Marist Sisters’ College, Woolwich
Honourable Mention | Elizabeth Poh | Freeman Catholic College, Bonnyrigg Heights
Abigail F. from St Michael’s Catholic Primary School chose to draw her twin sister Mikaela, sharing the love and thought she put into every detail.
“I have known her all my life and I love her. I used the colour pink and yellow for the background and purple for the shirt because they are her favourite colours. I drew stars around her because they are amazing and remind me of her.”
Anne-Maree Wells, Educational Officer for Creative and Performing Arts, reflected on another inspiring year for the competition.
“Every year, the care and devotion on display leaves us feeling overwhelmed, in the best possible way,” she says.
“We often remark on how wonderful these young artists are, and how meaningful it is that they choose to dedicate these portraits to the families and friends who matter most to them. That intention ties so beautifully with the values of Magis and our Catholic faith.”
Selected category winners will be entered into the Young Archie Portrait Competition at the Art Gallery of NSW. Those who receive honourable mentions in the Young Archie competition will undergo a selection process and may have the chance to be featured in the Salon des Refusés at the SH Ervin Gallery.
