Parent and Student Matters
- Touchstone Portrait Prize 2026
- Parent permission forms now on Sentral
- Maths Drop-In
Touchstone Portrait Prize 2026: Celebrating the people who shape us
This year the Visual Arts Department is launching the Touchstone Portrait Prize, a celebration of creativity, community, and the people who shape our lives. This competition is more than an art event, it’s an expression of who we are as a College grounded in the Edmund Rice tradition.
This year’s College Portrait Prize takes its inspiration from our annual theme, 'For all, with all.' It’s a message that encourages our community to stand together, support one another, and recognise the individuals who help shape who we become. The Portrait Prize embodies this spirit perfectly, inviting students to look closely at the people who matter most in their lives.
In developing this year’s competition, the Visual Arts Department has drawn inspiration from the prestigious Young Archie competition at the Art Gallery of NSW. Like the Young Archie, our Portrait Prize asks students to portray someone they know personally or an Australian they look up to; a person who has played a meaningful role in their life. This might be a family member, a close friend, a teacher, a mentor, or anyone whose presence has helped define their story.
Students are encouraged to work in any medium of their choice. Whether painting, drawing, watercolour, collage, mixed‑media, or even relief sculpture, all approaches are welcomed and celebrated. The only requirement is size, with works needing to fall between A4 and A3.
The competition features three age categories:
Years 5–6
Years 7–8
Years 9–12
From each category, a selection of finalists will be chosen. To ensure fairness, the Leader of Learning – Visual Arts has stepped back from the judging panel this year. Instead, three outstanding judges will bring their expertise and unique perspectives:
Fergus Fung – ex-student, Visual Arts high achiever, and tutor in our Art Lab
Mr Lachlan Skeen – Business Manager, former architect, and designer with a sharp eye for form and detail
Ms Erika Sorby – new member of the Visual Arts Department and a portrait artist in her own right
Prizes include $200 for the overall winner, $100 for each age‑group winner, and additional gift cards for runners‑up.
All submitted works will be showcased in a full College exhibition, celebrating the extraordinary talent across our community. Finalists - and especially the overall winner - will have their portraits displayed prominently within the school for the entire year, giving their work a lasting presence in our creative landscape.
The competition is now open, with all submissions due Friday 24 April (Week 1, Term 2). Look out for the beautifully designed promotional posters by Ms Sorby across the College.
This is an opportunity not only to create art, but to honour the people who help shape who we are. We look forward to seeing the heartfelt and inspiring portraits our students produce this year.
Ms Frances Doyle - Leader of Learning, Visual Arts
Parent permission forms now on Sentral
We are pleased to advise that we are now using Sentral to manage all parent permission forms for events. These events are called 'Activities'.
This change will make it easier and faster for families to receive, complete, and submit permissions directly from their devices.
Below is the step-by-step process for giving permission for an Activity, showing exactly how to access and complete permission forms through the Sentral Parent Portal and the Sentral App.
Thank you for your support as we continue improving our communication and processes for our school community.
Mr Wayne Wheatley - HR and Compliance Manager
Maths Drop-In
Need a Little Maths Boost? Come to Maths Drop-In! ➗📐
Stuck on homework? Revising for a test? Or just want to build your confidence in Maths? Maths Drop-In is here to help!
Whether you’re working on algebra, geometry, problem-solving, or exam prep, this is a relaxed space where you can ask questions, practise skills, and get extra support.
Just bring your questions, your work, or even just your curiosity!
Where: C1
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time: 7:40 am - 8:30 am
Come along and join the fun.
Mrs Amanda Fileman - Mathematics Teacher