Lochinvar Public students present mural to school after competing in the "Smart Art Includes You" project

The Smart Art mural project, run in conjunction with arts organisation Octopod and the support organisation Community Disability Alliance Hunter, was presented to the school on July 4.

The aims of the project are to raise awareness of the value and importance of inclusion for  people with a disability, stimulate young people to explore what inclusion of people with a disability means and what it looks like and stimulate and support students to explore the concept of inclusion and share their insights and perspectives through art.

Smart Art Includes You Challenge is open to all school students in the Hunter and Central Coast. All eligible entrants go in the draw to win cash prizes for their school.

Their works might depict a personal experience, a unique point of view, an idea, a hope, or a thought-provoking image or story about inclusion. 

“The SmartArt project was certainly collaborative, we had all Stage 3 students involved in the process,” said teacher Kristy Harris.

“The planning stage was completed under the guidance of Newcastle artist Mel O’Dell. Students then worked in small teams to complete the various components of the mural,” she said.

“What we ended up with surpassed our expectations, it is bright, fun and a special reminder of how great it is to be a part of the Lochinvar Public School community. We are very appreciative to have been involved in this project and are using associated funds to purchase a new chicken coop, improve our vegetable gardens and using some of that fresh produce in healthy cooking sessions,” Ms Harris said.

Year 6 student Levi said: “This mural is all about fun, friendship and including everybody!”

Another year 6 student Mali said: “At Lochinvar Public School we include everyone and we know that everyone is different; that is what makes us so special!”