St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Oatley

Sculpture collaboration makes stewards of the ocean

A people’s choice award – and a cameo on Sunrise – have highlighted the creativity and environmental consciousness of a visual arts collaboration between five Sydney Catholic Schools.

Students made coral-coloured ocean landscape Revived Reefs at a series of workshops for the Sydney Catholic Schools Visual Arts program, Sculpture by the Schools.

The sculpture received the People’s Choice Award in the 2024 Volvo Ocean Lovers’ Festival’s Litterarti Waste Art Competition. A handful of students involved in the collaboration shared the rationale for their work live from the event ahead of Sunrise’s weather report.

Stewardship in action

Students learned about marine ecosystems, biodiversity and the impact of waste on ocean habitats before creating the sculpture with Sydney Catholic Schools’ artist in residence, Joshua Byrne.

They used 80 per cent recycled materials, including plastics and metal cans, and recyclable paper mache to craft the vibrant artwork.

“The project not only highlighted the artistic talents of the students but also underscored the importance of sustainability,” said Education Officer: Creative and Performing Arts: Helen Landas.

“The sculpture served as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have on preserving our planet’s natural beauty.”

“By repurposing waste materials into a meaningful work of art, the schools demonstrated their commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling.”

Students also wrote a ‘message for the ocean’, noting it was home to an awe-inspiring diversity of creatures.

The letter also pledged to protect the ocean and its delicate ecosystems by advocating for sustainable fishing practices and reducing plastic waste.

Students wrote:

“We must heed the call to be stewards of your vast blue expanse, for in doing so, we safeguard the future of life on Earth…we pledge to change our ways, to cherish you as you deserve, and to revere the incredible life that …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 11, 2024|

Wellbeing pups top of the class

They might have only just begun their schooling journeys but two very special staff members have already sent tails wagging.

In a Sydney Catholic Schools first, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Oatley and St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Meadowbank both introduced wellbeing dogs into their school communities last week.

St Joseph’s welcomed the adorable Winnie into their school, while the loveable Micky is St Michael’s newest addition.

The dogs are both four-month-old Groodles, who also happen to be sisters and littermates.

The pair were sourced by Dogs Connect, a world-first mental health and wellness program that integrates wellbeing doings into schools and workplaces.

A helping hand

Kylie Brakel, Principal at St Joseph’s, said the arrival of Winnie was the culmination of many years of research and months of preparation.

“I’ve been researching the use of wellbeing dogs for some time now, so I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to implement it,” Mrs Brakel said.

“Wellbeing dogs are shown to help reduce anxiety among children, to help those who have experienced trauma, and to help teach social and emotional regulation” – Kylie Brakel

Mrs Brakel noted that she’s already seen an enormous difference in the behaviours of both students and staff.

“It’s been great to see the smiles on their faces – you could see the happiness and positivity that Winnie brought right from the first day,” she said.

“I had a parent even say to me, ‘I have never seen such a happy group of children.’”

The students at St Joseph’s have loved Winnie visit their classrooms.

An instant hit

Alison Felici, Principal at St Michael’s, said the idea to …

domenictrimboli01August 25, 2022|

World Bee Day 2021

May 20 is World Bee Day and a perfect time to reflect on the importance of pollinators in all our lives.

Year 2 students Alena and Greta in front of the Bee Hive

Six months after receiving their playground beehive St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Oatley is abuzz with Australian native stingless Bees – double in fact.

And the school’s junior beekeepers have since become passionate bee advocates.

“Bees are important because they help to pollinate,” explained Year 1 student, Alex Moroz.

Luca Pirrello, also in Year 1, said: “Bees carry the pollen and some of it falls off.” Year 6 student, Issac Assaly, added: “This helps more flowers and vegetables to grow.”

About the beehive

Funding for the school’s beehive and a bush tucker garden was given to the school after Year 5 students wrote to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Oatley state MP Mark Coure.

Laurence Gardner Year 1, in front of the Bee Hive

“The purpose for having the beehive was to assist with the rejuvenation of the land after our devastating bushfires,” the school’s Inquiring Minds teacher, Kate Blackman, said.

“Other colonies will grow from this hive and establish elsewhere.”

“Since the bushfires, the flowers need to rejuvenate so the bees help with pollination; this increases the growth” – Elees Hilder

St Joseph’s Oatley Students in front of the Bee Hive

Ms Blackman said the inquiring minds program has also helped students gain a better understanding of the importance of cross-pollination and the impact it has on plant growth.

As part of the program students designed the beehive, “ultimate pollinating …

vijayMay 25, 2021|

iLight2020: Virtual Carols

Welcome to Sydney Catholic Schools #iLight2020 Virtual Carol Choir.

We have now reached the end of the snapshot of how to prepare for Christmas using the Jesse Tree with your family. It is hoped that you continue your journey towards Christmas in this way through prayer, symbol and song. Today we have the Virtual Carols Night which showcases our schools.

To toggle through the songs, use the menu bar in the top right corner of the video player, otherwise the songs will play one after the other.

Enjoy the light of our students shining brightly for all to see.

Schools featured in the virtual choir:

AdminDecember 9, 2020|

Beehive at St Joseph’s Oatley

You won’t BEE-lieve what St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Oatley has been up to.

Year 5-ers have written to NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and Oatley state MP, Mark Coure, to request funding for a bush tucker garden and bee hive. “Don’t worry, we are looking at non-stinging bees!” they wrote. “Both the hive and the native bush tucker garden will teach us how to care and give back to the environment, mirroring the approach of the original inhabitants and custodians of the Georges River – the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation.”

Sydney Catholic Schools’ videographer Ben Wallace was there to capture the bees’ arrival.

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Sydney Catholic Schools is enrolling now. Find your closest Sydney Catholic school and to start your child’s learning journey.

AdminOctober 16, 2020|

Sculpture collaboration makes stewards of the ocean

Wellbeing pups top of the class

A helping hand

An instant hit

World Bee Day 2021

iLight2020: Virtual Carols

Beehive at St Joseph’s Oatley

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our schools and offices now stand. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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