PR E PA R ATORY S C HO OL
Meet Mr Ben Mattick
Last year, we welcomed a new art teacher to the Preparatory School,
with Mr Ben Mattick joining the art room in Term 2.
Ben joined us following his time working as a
classroom teacher at Undercliffe Public School in
Sydney, where he worked for three years.
Ben studied Fine Arts at Sydney University,
majoring in painting, then studied his Masters
of Primary Teaching at the University of
New England. Prior to this he worked as an
education assistant for six years.
As an artist himself, Ben draws inspiration
from artists such as Van Gogh, Goya and
Frida Kahlo. “I love Van Gogh’s use of colour,
the expression that Goya conveys through
people’s faces and Frida’s use of symbolism
and colour in her portraits.”
Ben’s five attributes of
successful artists:
Ben has enjoyed getting to know the students
in the Preparatory School and seeing the
amazing art they can create. “I am very
excited about 2019 as I have now seen what
these students can do and this has opened
up endless ideas and directions in planning
for next year. No idea is too ambitious or
unachievable for these students!”
1. Embrace mistakes 3. Never give up
2. Take risks 4. Concentrate and care
5. Patience and flow
Something for everyone at Year 1 Market Day
The Year 1 Market Day was held on Friday
16 November, raising over $2000 for the
Australian Red Cross through the sale of
donated toys, books, games and bric-a-brac as
well as some delicious baked goods!
Our Year 1 students, teachers and parents
did an amazing job at the Year 1 Market Day,
where their efforts saw all funds donated to
the Australian Red Cross. The students were
involved in co-ordinating all aspects of the day,
including selecting the charity, collecting goods
to sell, setting up the stalls, serving customers
and taking money!
The baked goods were delicious, the handmade
Christmas cards and decorations were beautiful
and there were lots of pot plants, toys, books,
soft toys, games, puzzles, fresh fruit, fresh
herbs, a lemonade stand and much more!
This is service learning in action and something
our students and staff really excel at. Thank you
to everyone involved.
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