In the run-up to Christmas children from six Isle of Wight schools took part in a Christmas Art Competition.
The competition was organised by retired head teacher, Trish Wray, who set the children the challenge of designing a Christmas present to add to their “Christmas list”.
Ask parents to spend time and have fun together
They were asked to think of a present from their family that cannot be bought and also encouraged to explore where your imagination can take you.
To draw an idea that that would be fun and that all the family could enjoy while caring for their planet.
Important to show kindness
In considering this challenge, children had the opportunity to reflect on materialism, the true value of money and how to choose sensibly with regard to environmental issues.
Not forgetting the important lesson of how important it is to show kindness!
Taking part
The schools taking part were Queensgate Primary, Lanesend Primary, Hunnyhill Primary, The Bay CE, Christ the King College and Medina College with ages ranging from Reception to Year 8.
Ideas from the winners ranged from favourite walks, camping trips, picnics, collecting treasure on the beach, football games with mum and family cooking sessions.
The competition was judged by Cllr Debbie Andre and Mat Riches, representing the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. The prize giving event was held at The Riverside Centre in Newport last month.
Securing good mental health
Trish Wray said,
“The experiences of the pandemic, the rise in mental health illness and the concerns of climate change have all added to the stresses that we all face.
“Building strong relationships and happy childhood memories have major impacts on secure mental health in adult life, and in childhood.
“This event should be repeated every year to log the level of need and hopefully recognise improvements in child welfare.”
Andre: The value of positive childhood experiences
Cllr Andre thanked everyone concerned in making this project happen.
She congratulated all of the winners and praised the high standard of all the entries received which resulted in a “Highly Commended” category being added.
She highlighted the “value of positive childhood experiences and the lasting effect that happy memories can have, examples of which were brilliantly portrayed in the artwork submitted”.
Leonard: Get through these difficult days of the pandemic
Archdeacon Peter Leonard closed the prize giving event by sharing the essence of the Christmas story. He said,
“The true meaning of Christmas is a celebration of hope, joy and love. Throughout the afternoon I have seen so much joy and love shared between the children and their parents.
“We all live with the hope that we will get through these difficult days of the pandemic and be able to fully celebrate Christmas this year.”
Never a better time for care, kindness and family
Mat Riches commented,
“This competition was a reminder that there has never been a greater need for us all to understand the need for care, kindness and family. It also highlighted how important it is to look after the planet for the animals we share it with.
“The standard was so high that we had to create an extra ‘highly commended’ category.”
Supporters
Trish also thanked the generosity of Red Funnel, Medina Bookshop, Forget-Me-Not, The Needles Landmark Attraction, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Havenstreet Steam Railway, Medina Leisure, Browns Family Golf, Robin Hill, Monkey Haven, Corries Cabin, Morrison’s, Waitrose and Asda for their wonderful gifts of prizes.
The major support services Homestart, Barnardos, SENDIASS, The Food Bank and The Footprint Trust attended and played their part by reminding us of the vital work that goes into helping our Island children to have happy and safe childhoods.
See the entries
The children’s competition entries are being displayed in the window of Independent Arts’ creative Hub in St James’s Square, Newport, throughout the Christmas period.
News shared by Trish, in her own words. Ed
