Visual Art

On Saturday 27th May, five students from Brighton Beach Primary were selected as finalists as part of the Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards. Ellen José was a Torres Strait Islander Indigenous artist, photographer and activist. 

The Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards are aimed at Bayside primary and secondary school students and bring awareness of reconciliation to young people through art and writing. Entrants are asked to interpret "What Reconciliation means through their eyes" in their artwork or writing piece.

We were so proud of the five BBPS finalists that attended the ceremony, including Lewis and Oscar in Grade 2, Thomas in Grade 3, Bella in Grade 4 and Isabelle from Grade 6. As well as being a finalist, Oscar also received third prize for his amazing artwork in the Prep- Grade 3 division and $100 prize money. 

Here are our BBPS Finalist artworks and Oscar's 3rd Place as well as the Grade 6 artwork that received 1st Place from Black Rock Primary School:

It was a special morning held at Sandringham City Council where there was a Flag Raising Ceremony as well as a traditional smoking ceremony. This herbal smoke is believed to have both spiritual and physical cleansing properties, as well as the ability to ward off bad spirits. The student finalists from the different Bayside schools got to see their artwork framed and hung on the walls of Sandringham City Council along with their families which was very exciting.

Congratulations to everyone that participated from Grade 1 to Grade 6 for your creative artworks.  We look forward to taking part in the Ellen José Reconciliation Student Awards held next year in 2024.