Sydney Catholic school students have presented a reflective and vibrant take on Christmas scripture for the 2021 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition.

Close to 600 students in Year 5 and 6 from schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney, and Diocese of Wollongong and Bathurst took part in the project this year.

The students drew on verses from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke for inspiration.

NATIVITY MAGIC

The 32 prize-winning artworks depict gospel scenes including the journey to Bethlehem, Annunciation, birth of Jesus and visit of the magi.

Year 6 student Jeramae Gonayon from St Mark’s Catholic Primary School Drummoyne received first prize in her year category for a detailed drawing of Mary and the angel Gabriel. 

A bright blue sky and intricate facial expressions featured in St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn Year 5 First Prize winner, Lara Elfin Aydin’s detailed painting of the nativity.

Archbishop’s Choice Trophy winning artwork.

St Therese Catholic Primary School Denistone’s Mila Hinves, in Year 5, was a joint awardee of the Archbishop’s Choice Trophy. Her earth-toned holly wreath was a standout sculpture among the other works.

St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller student Chelsea received the Executive Director’s Award for her richly-shaded charcoal drawing of doves.

“The doves in my sketch represent purity, which is a symbol in the Annunciation” – Chelsea

Usually held  at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney campus, the exhibition moved online in 2020 due to COVID-19. It is a successful formula replicated this year. 

SCS Specialist: Religious Education, Jodie Micallef, praised the high quality of students’ work and thanked the teachers and principals who enabled such them to come forth under unique circumstances.