Mernda Primary School students decorate local streets

Mernda Primary School students launched their art works at a special event last week. Picture: Joe Mastroianni.

Mernda Primary School students are making their mark on the streets surrounding their school.

As part of a joint project with Whittlesea council, grade 4, 5 and 6 pupils have created artworks to put on show in their local streets.

The Find Share Engage project aimed to give the pupils a chance to showcase their community pride.

They explored statements about their community and designed their art pieces around them.

The art was then put on special foil paper and installed on footpaths.

Artist Helen Pollard was engaged by the council’s Baseline for Young People to run workshops in conjunction with the school’s art teacher, Kirsty Branagan.

Mayor Ricky Kirkham said it was important to give young people a voice.

“Young people are a very important part of our community and listening to them is something I’m passionate about,” he said.

“Projects such as this will help them continue to be proud of where they live and participate positively in their community.”

The project was launched at a gallery-style event last Thursday, featuring finger food and mocktails.

Ms Pollard said the event was designed to make the pupils feel valued as artists.

“The students are so proud their messages are now displayed for the whole community to enjoy,” she said.