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Harmony Children's Art Exhibition at CPS

Posted on 27-03-2009

An Image

Harmony is the theme of our current art exhibition in the Elaine Marriner Children’s Gallery at CPS. It features art work from three Reservoir Primary Schools - Reservoir East, Ruthven and St Gabriel’s in order that we at CPS can celebrate the diverse communities in which we live and work. The exhibition to celebrate National Harmony Day on the 21st of March was officially opened by Mr Robin Scott M.P for Preston who presented each artist with a certificate and small gift in appreciation of their work.

Children from Grade 1to 6 have worked individually and in pairs to express their ideas on the meaning of HARMONY: respect, tolerance, living together and playing happily regardless of where they come from, their religion, family background or the colour of their skin.These are messages the children have conveyed in their art work and stories.

Ruthven Primary Students responded with heartfelt images and messages to those affected by the recent bushfires. They offer condolences and hope for the rebuilding of their lives as well as thanks to those who helped others in the face of the tragedy. As Tina, grade 5 wrote: To Kinglake, Sorry about the bushfires that burnt down so many of your houses and took your lives. Thankyou to our fire-man and other volunteer workers who risked their lives!

Facilitating harmony in children’s lives is a vital aspect of CPS’s work with vulnerable children so it makes for a great exhibition theme. Arts curator for CPS Ms Rhonda Symons is thrilled with the results ‘It is a beautiful, thought provoking exhibition providing visitors to CPS with a sense of bright hope for all of our futures.’ To quote Wairimu and Lourdes grade 1 students at St Gabriel’s,
‘Different coloured people from different countries love each other and play with each other.’
The artwork will remain on display in The Elaine Marriner Children’s Art Gallery at CPS until the end of April and can be viewed during the hours of 9-5pm Monday to Friday.
The art exhibition is part of our “Covering Empty Walls Project” which links CPS to the community through art.

Assad and his Dad admire his work Dear Kinglake, I am sorry about what happened to you and your homes. I hope you feel better with all for our support and thankyou to the heroes who helped in this disaster. From Assad, from my heart Assad Grade 5 Ruthven Primary School
Bebyana (left) receives her certificate from Robin Scott MP and Tim Mulvaney, President of CPS 'The rainbow is many colours just like people are different colours working together.' Bebyana and Flora Grade 2 St Gabriel’s Primary School. Proud artists (right)and Principal Karen Anthonsen from Reservoir East Primary School with CPS CEO Bernadette Burchell.
Zarah shows us the hand she traced for her collage. 'Many different hands can help each other to live in harmony.' Zarah and Anugi Grade 1, St Gabriel’s Primary School

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