Physical education teacher Karina Mawson and art teacher Elly Campbell.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
At Shepparton East, students don’t just get to sleep through art and PE as a break from the regular classroom.
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They are building new skills, confidence and a sense of who they are, one brushstroke or one kick of a ball at a time.
Leading the charge are Miss Campbell, who runs the art program and Mrs Mawson, teaching PE in her graduate year.
In the art room, the focus is hands-on as students work through different artistic elements, building a foundation they can build on for years to come.
But it’s not just about technique.
Shepparton East loves to get its young artists’ work out into the world, partnering with the CWA Shepparton East district for student art competitions and the local Rotary club.
“The kids really love it because it’s a competition, they get their work out there,” Miss Campbell said.
“Seeing their artwork on a public display encourages their creativity and those who really strive in that creativity love being able to see their work out there and acknowledged.”
Over on the courts, Mrs Mawson takes students through a broad range of sports designed to engage every kid.
A recent favourite she said was a blind cricket session that left a lasting impression on the students.
“It helps them understand that anyone can play sport and be active when it’s adjusted to suit them and seeing those adjustments was awesome,” Mrs Mawson said.
For both teachers, the reward goes far beyond the skills taught in class.
“Being able to instil that lifelong love of physical activity and all the benefits that it has,” Mrs Mawson said.
For Miss Campbell, its about “them showing their individuality, own personalities and creativity.”
Where some kids prefer sport, others gravitate towards art, but the school encourages participation in both and adapts activities where needed so every child can take part.
Miss Campbell and Mrs Mawson agree on why variety matters.
“These programs are important to the school because they allow students to figure out what they like and don’t like,” the pair said.
“The ability to learn that young is something the school values.”
While students love the sporting opportunities the school provides, it’s the art program that exposes students to a different range of mediums, giving them a glimpse of what they could pursue in the future.
At Shepparton East, art and PE aren’t just subjects on a timetable, they’re where students are given the chance to discover what they love.
BY Brynne Timewell
Year 5 student Samar Singh practising his ball skills.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Year 4 student William Kernaghan.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A practical PE lesson so the students can have fun while exercising.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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