Over the course of this term, our Stage 3 students have shown incredible creativity, dedication, and reflection as they prepared their Christmas artworks. Each piece represents not only their artistic talents but also their ability to thoughtfully connect with the story of Christmas in a personal and meaningful way.

A very big thank you to Mr Fitzpatrick, Mrs Crescini, and Miss Bulfon for the time, effort, and encouragement they have given to support this initiative. Their guidance and enthusiasm have been invaluable in helping our students develop and showcase their artistic gifts.

We congratulate all of our talented students who took part in this special project:

Year 5:
Madison P, Aerin T, Noah P, Jessica E, Ella D.

Year 6:
Ayam G, Amelia P, Hazelle Z, Sophia S, Mia T, Emilia B, Jessica S, Katherina D.

A special congratulations goes to Madison, Jessica, and Ella from Year 5 and Katherina, Mia, and Jessica from Year 6, whose artworks have been selected to represent our school at the next level of diocesan voting with the CEO. This is a wonderful achievement, and we are so proud of their success.

Well done to all of our Stage 3 artists for the creativity, reflection, and effort they have poured into their Christmas artworks this term.

The Road to Hope : Year 5 - Madison P

My art piece reflects on the scripture from Luke 2:3-5, where Jesus and Mary “travelled to Bethlehem the town of David”. I chose this passage because it demonstrates strength and faith during difficult times. Painting this scene encouraged me to reflect on the challenges Mary and Jesus faced and helped me connect their story to my own life. When I was in kindergarten, I struggled to make friends. I was very shy and rarely spoke, often watching other children play while I stayed on the sidelines, too nervous to join in. Even then, I remembered that Jesus is our light in dark times. That belief gave me courage to keep trying, and over time, I made friends and grew more confident.

In my painting, I used different shades of yellow to show the hot and humid conditions Mary and Joseph traveled through. The earthy browns represent the rough, rocky path they had to walk. The big, bright star in the sky symbolizes hope—a reminder that even in difficult times, there is always a light guiding us forward. So when life feels challenging, remember that at the end of the road there is hope, and Jesus will be waiting there.

Mother and Messiah Year 5 - Aerin T

The scripture passage that I was inspired by was Luke 2:9–14, whereby God said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” In my artwork, titled Mother and Messiah, I aimed to represent Jesus with the sun shining behind him, symbolizing the light, hope, and guidance that his birth brought to people’s lives. Jesus’ birth and Mary’s unwavering love inspire me in my own life, especially during moments of vulnerability and challenge, reminding me to be guided by their faith, strength, and everlasting love. My artwork was inspired by vibrant colours such as red, blue, and yellow to symbolise different aspects of Jesus’ life. Red represents the love of Mary for her son, blue reflects Mary’s purity and faith, and yellow symbolises the divine light that Jesus brought to the world. These colours allowed me to convey the warmth and radiance of Mary’s love as she cradles Jesus for the first time. Using watercolour pencils, I was able to add fine details and subtle shading, enhancing both the brightness and the emotional depth of the scene. I hope my artwork invites viewers to experience this moment and gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ birth.

Echoes of the People Year 5 - Noah P

I chose the Scripture “The Birth of Jesus and the Visit of the Magi”. My artwork, “Echoes of the People”, portrays the three wise Magi who travelled from distant lands to witness the birth of Christ. I was drawn to their story as it resonates with my own family’s journey from diverse backgrounds. The Magi themselves came from regions of ancient Persia, a land with a sacred link to early Christianity. After Pentecost, Persians were among the first to embrace the Christian faith. Their shared pilgrimage reflects humanity’s universal search for divine truth.

In my artwork, each Magi is placed against a unique background colour, symbolising his personal spiritual journey and belief. Though Gentiles, they were united by the light of Christ. I chose the lino print technique for its strong texture and symbolic quality. The colour orange represents readiness of spirit and the strength to remain faithful in struggle. Red conveys the weight of human sin, reminding us of the world’s need for redemption. Yellow symbolises divine joy and the eternal hope of salvation.

Through this piece, I aimed to capture humanity’s deep yearning for light and the eternal promise offered in the coming of our Saviour.

The Light in the Shadow Year 5 - Jessica E

My artwork, The Light in the Shadow, is inspired by the scripture The Visit of the Magi. It reflects the moment when the Three Wise Men followed the star to find and worship the newborn Jesus.

In my Christmas painting, I used different shades of blue in the sky to show the calm, peaceful feeling of the night. A single bright star shines above, the same star the Wise Men followed. This star represents how God guides us, lighting our path and filling our lives with hope, even in uncertain times.

The figures of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and the Wise Men are painted in black silhouettes. I chose to show them as shadows to express that sometimes we don’t need vivid colours or detailed images to feel God’s presence. His light can still shine through the darkness. As I reflected while creating this, I was reminded,  even in the dark, Jesus brings hope.

I feel connected to this scripture because, like the Wise Men, I try to follow Jesus every day. Even when life feels difficult or unclear, I trust that God is guiding me, just as He led them with the light of the star.

Wrapped in Love Year 5 - Ella D

Jesus came as the light of the world to save the people he loved. In my artwork of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, I wanted to show the love, care, and protection that surrounded him at his birth. I used vibrant colours to capture the joy and holiness of this special moment. The red arch represents love and symbolises how the Holy Spirit blessed the Holy Family through Jesus’ birth. The halos, shining alongside the guiding star, reflect their holiness and remind us of their important role in God's plan.

As the Gospel of Luke tells us, “She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). This verse reminds me of how Mary lovingly held Jesus and how Joseph stood beside them, guiding and protecting them.

This makes me reflect on my own family. Just as Mary and Joseph cared for Jesus, my parents guide me, love me, and keep me safe. I chose embroidery because each stitch represents patience and care. The threads reflect the deep love and unity of the Holy Family, where Jesus' life began, surrounded by love, just as mine did.

Whispers of Egypt Year 6 - Ayam G

My layered artwork, based on the Flight to Egypt in Matthew’s Gospel (2:13–15), portrays King Herod in the background and a guardian angel in the middle ground. The angel proclaims to Joseph in a dream: “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word.” (Matthew 2:13). This reflects God’s protection and His promise to hold believers in His loving arms. In the foreground, Mary and baby Jesus are shown. Jesus gently wipes tears from His mother’s face, as Mary, fearful and devastated, realises Herod’s intent to harm her newborn Son.

I layered acrylic paints to give the holy figures a radiant, transcendent look. The gold highlights symbolise royalty, yet differ for each figure: Jesus’ gold reveals Him as the true King and Messiah. Warm tones surround Mary, showing both her hardship and the enduring warmth of a mother’s love.

This story resonates deeply with me. Mary’s faith, even in fear, shows the strength of trusting God. Her journey to a new country reminds me of my parents, who crossed seas to give me a better future. Just as Mary persevered with courage, my parents endured sacrifice. Both inspire me to place my trust fully in God.

Solitude and Quiet Year 6 - Amelia P

My artwork portrays the calm and warm moments before the Annunciation. The red on Mary’s dress represents her mixed emotions of how delighted and proud she would have felt when the Angel Gabriel informed her that she would give birth to God’s son, Jesus. I chose to paint a halo to represent Mary’s holiness, reverence, and commitment to God. The shades of light yellow and white symbolise Mary’s purity and joy, especially in her excitement and pleasure when she said ‘Yes!’ to God. The light emitting from the dove onto Mary portrays the protection and guidance she had received. The Gold on the bottom of the painting foreshadows ‘The Birth of Jesus’ scripture, when the three shepherds brought Gold, frankincense and myrrh for baby Jesus.

When God created the world he created a day of rest ‘The Sabbath’. This holy day connects to this artwork and was also important to me, when I was creating this piece. Mary's emotions are depicted as gentle, calm and relaxing just how I like to spend Sundays; the day of Sabbath, resting and peaceful, awaiting the presence of God in my life, as Mary waited patiently to hear God’s call to her. 

In trust, She said Yes Year 6 - Hazelle Z

 The Annunciation is the scripture I chose to base my artwork on because it signifies the trust, bravery and the commitment of Mary to God. My artwork reflects Mary’s devotion and faithfulness through her acceptance of the role as the Mother of God. In her lifetime she demonstrated bravery and strength, and with her simple ‘yes’ it foreshadowed a whole new life.

I resonated with this scripture because it shows Mary’s great trust in God, as I try to trust and have faith in God, especially when I personally experience challenging times in my life. Through Mary’s courageous example she was able to demonstrate her willingness to  God’s plans.. I too, strive to be courageous and place my trust in God.

My crocheted tapestry consists of Mary in the centre, and Angel Gabriel floating above her. The two sides are filled with symbols relating to Mary. A heart, representing her love and compassion; her mystic rose, symbolising her purity and divinity; a crown, as she is queen of heaven and earth; a dove, a symbol that the holy spirit is with her; a lily, meaning her divine conception and a rosary, to symbolise her holiness and devotion to God. 

Through the Eyes of Love Year 6 - Sophia S

My artwork is framed from the perspective of God's eye looking down upon creation. Within the pupil, I have depicted the nativity story  told in Matthew 1:18-25, portraying the birth of Christ. This piece is a personal reflection of my faith and symbolises my belief that God is always watching over and guiding me as I learn to respond to His call.

I expressed God’s eye through watercolour, starting with shades of brown and blue for Mary and Joseph. These colours create a sacred atmosphere and highlight their spiritual connection with God. I then used coloured pencils to brighten the figures and draw attention to their significance within the piece. To complete the painting, I added golden marker accents to represent light and royalty, emphasising Jesus as the King of the holy kingdom.

My artwork carries a powerful message: God is watching over the holy family and watching over all of us. It serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, we are never truly alone. God’s presence surrounds us always, and my painting aims to reflect that comforting truth. It is both a celebration of Jesus’ birth and a symbol of guidance and protection.

The Nature of Mary Year 6 - Mia T

I illustrated “The Annunciation”, where Mary was bestowed by Angel Gabriel with the extraordinary mission to be Jesus’ mother. Her unwavering faith and gentle grace gave her the courage to embrace this remarkable calling. Inspired by St Francis’ call to care for creation and Mary’s courageous “yes,” I felt a profound honour when chosen as a WEN ambassador, representing St Francis Catholic College at the Wollongong Environment Network. In this role, I was entrusted with a responsibility to nurture sustainability within my school, displaying Mary’s dedication to a greater purpose. I received a WEN pin as a symbol of this responsibility, which I wove into my artwork: the WEN cross rests upon Mary, while WEN leaves surround the piece, symbolising life, growth, and the care we are called to offer the world.

I chose digital art and origami as my mediums because they allow me to express creativity and joy through techniques I have devoted countless hours to practising. To convey Mary’s emotions, I used yellow and green to reflect hope, happiness, and creation. White origami lilies and purple irises in the foreground mirror Mary’s faith and courageous choice, embodying devotion, grace, and the quiet strength of embracing one’s calling.

Echoes of the Manger Year 6  - Emilia B

My artwork, Echoes of the Manger, is a paper collage inspired by the scripture of Jesus’ birth and the visit of the Magi. I was drawn to this passage because of the Magi’s devotion: they followed a star, expecting a mighty king, yet it led them to Jesus, whose divine presence inspired them to bow in reverence and unwavering faith.

I chose paper collage as my medium because of its layered pieces in my attempt to mirror how each Gospel story unfolds a moment of Jesus’ life, coming together to reveal a greater whole. The colours I used also carry deep meaning: gold represents Jesus’ perfection, purity, and royalty as the King of Kings; yellow symbolizes the joy of His birth; green signifies eternal hope; and purple represents preparation.

This scripture is significant to me because it’s a story of hope, love and faith.  Altogether, these values are very important in our Catholic faith because we need hope for the future, love to balance out sorrow and faith that Jesus will come again and that we will be promised eternal life in heaven with Him.

The Selfless Soul Year 6 - Katherina D

I sketched Mary with Jesus in her womb to represent a new life growing and hope for the future. Surrounding her, with symbols of flowers and a rosary to show her deep faith and love for God. Gold was used to create rays of light, symbolizing that Jesus is the light of the world and brings peace to all.

My decision was to use a lead pencil because it allowed me to capture small details and soft shading. Using a pencil made it easier to carefully draw folds in Mary’s dress, highlighting the peaceful mood of the moment. The gentle, soft strokes of graphite reflect Mary’s kind and gentle spirit.

The name of the artwork is the Selfless Soul. This name was chosen by me as Mary demonstrated courage and love by saying yes to God. She put others before herself and trusted God even though the situation was scary, showing how selfless and pure her soul is.

This artwork reminds me to be strong, trusting, and hopeful like Mary. It also helped  me to realize it’s okay to have questions and fears, just like when I had previously moved to Brisbane, made new friends, and adjusted to a new school.

Mary’s Heart, God’s Light Year 6 - Jessica S

My artwork, ‘Mary’s Heart, God’s Light’’, portrays the deep meaning of trust and guidance in the scripture The Visit of the Magi. I illustrated the moment when the Magi follow the Star of Bethlehem to find the King of the Jews, symbolising how God leads us toward hope and true faith. Mary is depicted as a symbol of purity and love, while the staircase acts as a ‘stairway to Mary’s heart,’ creating a calm and graceful atmosphere. The star shining through the arched doorway represents divine guidance, reminding us that in moments of doubt, we can trust God to lead us on the right path.

Throughout my life, I believed God provides strength and comfort during personal challenges I couldn’t face alone. I chose graphite pencil to express the softness and strength of Mary’s presence. The ombre from dark to light creates a spiritual tone, showing how we turn to God and Mary for guidance when we feel lost or surrounded by darknesPs.

This artwork connects to Matthew 2:9–12, where the Magi follow the star to worship the Son of God. Their journey reflects trust and dedication, reminding us to follow God’s light, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.