5 September 2025

Things have been full steam ahead with the Arts Celebration almost upon us. There has been a lot of 'Eek hope we are ready's' muttered. Well you have to love a process right!

It's not just about creating art. This learning has so many wider benefits – collaboration, improvement and sharing for starters.

Children have been making choices, solving problems and thinking outside of the box. Can they bring their vision to life? Can they make mistakes, be adaptable and move on?

This is an extremely hands-on way for them to develop their critical thinking. I've heard children listening to ideas of others, negotiating and helping each other out. All in the name of teamwork and developing empathy and communication skills.

It's not about getting something perfect on the first attempt – it's about perseverance and learning that not too many straight lines literally exist from A to B!

I went to a Principal Hui last week that focused on the use of AI. There are a lot of meetings about AI. You will know too I'm certain. Many of us are worried about what happens to process – and in such a young developing brain. (A big topic I'll leave for now.) So when I see what our children have been engaged in leading up to next week (whether it's perfect or not! – is there a thing?) I am breathing a big sigh of relief, frankly, for this is their work and their work alone!

The sharing and celebrating of their work is a very important step. This will give them a deep sense of accomplishment, an opportunity for feedback and encouragement to keep creating.

So next week they will hopefully feel proud and this will also be a teaching moment – to appreciate the work of others.

All part of fostering a supportive community!

Annual Arts Celebration - Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 September, 5.30pm