Visual Arts

Inspiring Young Artists – Brett Cardwell Visits St Roch’s

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome cartoonist Brett Cardwell to St Roch’s for an exciting and hands-on Visual Arts workshop. Brett brought incredible energy to each session, engaging students from the very first moment. Through animated storytelling and practical demonstrations, he guided students in creating their own cartoon characters - focusing on one of the most expressive tools in art: the eyes.

The students explored how subtle changes to eyes and eyebrows could dramatically shift a character’s emotion - from joy to sadness, surprise to determination, and everything in between. The workshop not only captivated our budding artists, but also supported learning across the curriculum. Cartooning ties beautifully into literacy, as students practise sequencing, character development, and visual storytelling - while also building skills in creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. With Book Week now underway, Brett’s visit came at the perfect time to spark imaginations. 

At St Roch’s, we’re proud to offer rich, authentic learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Our Visual Arts program encourages students to take creative risks, explore new techniques, and most importantly, to see themselves as artists. Inviting experts like Brett into our learning spaces enriches our curriculum and inspires our students to dream big.

95th Anniversary Major Fundraiser - Art Work

A Sneak Peek at Our Collaborative Artworks

Over the past few weeks, each class has been working together to create stunning collaborative artworks - and we’re so proud of what they’ve achieved! Students have explored a range of materials and techniques, experimenting with texture, colour, and composition to produce pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. These collaborative projects are a celebration of teamwork, creativity, and the joy of making something meaningful together.

You’ll be able to see these beautiful artworks as part of our 95th Anniversary - A Night to Remember Fundraiser, with a special preview display in the foyer this week. We warmly invite you to come by and enjoy the incredible work our students have created - we know you’ll be just as impressed as we are!

Year Prep Collaborative Art Project “Colourful Chemistry” - Ink Tile Art

Year 1 Collaborative Art Project “Mindful Marks” - Mandala Printmaking

Year 2 Collaborative Art Project “Feathered Dreams” - Watercolour Bird Collage

Year 3 Collaborative Art Project “Impressions in Colour” - Glue Batik Designs on Calico

Year 4 Collaborative Art Project “Shimmering Hearts” - Recycled CD Mosaic Tiles

Year 5 Collaborative Art Project “Nature in Layers” - Botanical Collages on Handmade Paper

Year 6 Collaborative Art Project “Timeless Symmetry” - Painted Mandalas on Timber

Jo Boers

Visual Arts Specialist Teacher