Ballarat Catholic primary schools showcased their creativity and community spirit at the recent Ballarat Begonia Festival, with four Catholic primary schools taking part in the colourful Snail Trail and Education Competition at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
Adding to the celebration, Lumen Christi Catholic Primary School was recognised as this year’s Mayor’s Choice winner for its beautifully crafted snail, Lumen the Traveller. The award recognises the entry that most captured the imagination of the Mayor and festival organisers.
St Thomas More Primary School
Building on last year’s success, when St Thomas More won the art competition, the school entered two pieces this year. A select group of Year 6 students collaborated for approximately 20 hours to design and complete a striking emu canvas. Meanwhile, Years 2 and 3 students planned and decorated a giant snail sculpture as part of the ‘snail trail’, layering paint and creating detailed mini beasts to attach to the shell.
St James’ Parish School
St James presented “The Not So Common Snail”, a joyful and imaginative creation celebrating nature, friendship and community life. From paperbark trees and murnong daisies to adventures at the park and creek, this delightful character tells a whimsical story of belonging and exploration, reflecting the creativity and storytelling of the students involved.
St Francis Xavier Primary School
St Francis Xavier’s story centred on Claude Monsnail, a charming traveller who had journeyed from Giverny, France, to holiday in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Drawn to the vibrant begonias and especially the beautiful waterlilies, Claude felt right at home among the gardens’ blooms.
The Begonia Festival continues to provide a valuable platform for students to collaborate, express their creativity and connect their learning with the wider Ballarat community. Congratulations to all the students and teachers involved for sharing their talents and representing their school communities so proudly.