Artistic approach turns negative into positive

AN artistic and creative solution to defaced property at Anglesea Primary School has resulted in a collaboration between two schools and the region’s community bank.

Anglesea Primary School principal Murray Surkitt told the Surf Coast Times pupils partnered up with Surf Coast Secondary College students to create murals on the school’s walls to cover up stains from vandalism that occurred earlier this year.

“After vandals defaced the walls of Anglesea Primary School with graffiti earlier this year in May, a group of parents and staff tried to clean the surfaces, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and the graffiti was eventually painted over,” Mr Surkitt said.

“Rather than being discouraged, the school community took a positive approach to the situation.

“The primary school students, together with students from Surf Coast Secondary College, collaborated on a project to design inspiring images that could be painted on the walls to promote a positive mindset and deter future graffiti.”

Mr Surkitt said the primary school students created their designs during the school’s art lessons, creating images conveying a positive message to anyone who would pass them.

 

Designs were then sent to the secondary school in Torquay, where students used their skills and creativity to refine the ideas and develop five final designs.

The designs were then painted on the school walls this past Wednesday by students from both schools.

“Both groups of students enjoyed participating in this hands-on, meaningful project that not only improved the school’s appearance but also demonstrated the power of creative, collaborative efforts in turning a negative situation into a positive outcome,” Mr Surkitt said.

“The project was a wonderful example of how teamwork and creative thinking can help transform challenges into opportunities for growth and community spirit.”

The murals can be viewed from the visitor carpark in front of the school and the staff carpark.

Community Bank Surf Coast donated $500 toward the project.