Many young artists, captivated by the spirit of Christmas, had been eagerly awaiting the judges’ decision.

Year 5 and Year 6 students from Catholic schools across the diocese submitted some amazing artworks for the competition which captured the students’ imaginative interpretation of Christmas. 

The Director’s Award went to Ethan Cusick of the Assumption School, and the Catholic Development Fund Award was presented to Isabelle Barnden Northey, also of the Assumption School.

The exhibition will showcase about 60 pieces of art which can be viewed at the Girra Girra Hall, St Philomena’s School, Lloyds Road until Friday, September 20, from 10am to 3pm.

Students have used a wide range of media to illustrate the Christmas story. 

The theme was drawn from the Diocesan Religious Education Curriculum and required the students to reflect on a number of Gospel verses from Matthew and Luke. 

Winners will progress to compete with students from Sydney and Wollongong in the Christmas Story Art Competition in December, with artworks to be displayed in the Crypt at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.

And the winners are:

Year 6: 1. Ben Hile, St John’s Primary School, Dubbo; 2. Aaliyah Wright, St Joseph’s Primary School, Molong; 3. Emily Crichton, St Patrick’s School, Lithgow; highly commended Abigail Searle, St Philomena’s School, Bathurst.

Year 5: 1. Ethan Cusick, Assumption School, Bathurst; 2. Josie Clements, St Edward’s School, Canowindra; 3. Cara Seale, Catherine McAuley School, Orange; highly commended Jacinta Chapman, St Mary’s School, Wellington.