Primary school students put their career dreams on paper in local education week competition

Stockland The Pines has challenged local primary school students to think about careers in a friendly, in-centre art competition to celebrate Education Week.

Education Week is an annual opportunity to recognise and showcase excellence in education. This year’s theme, ‘Celebrating Careers’, aims to celebrate potential careers and pathways and inspire children to consider possibilities for their futures.

Seven primary schools in the Manningham area will channel their inner artist and design a foam board in-line with this year’s theme. The winning school will receive a $1,000 Officeworks gift card to use towards their classrooms.

Ingrid Vanin, Centre Manager, Stockland The Pines, said: “We wanted to give back to the wonderful community that supports us. To help improve a local classroom in some way, and to inspire kids to get creative and think about their futures at the same time; it was a golden opportunity.”

Greg Thomas, Principal, St Charles Borromeo Primary School, said that if his school were to win, they would look at purchasing new items for their art room.

“Art is so important to many of our students,” Mr Thomas said. ‘It would be fantastic if we could not only improve the quality of some of our current supplies, but also offer new and different items as well. The kids would absolutely love it.”

Other participating schools include: Milgate Primary School, Our Lady Of The Pines Primary School, Donburn Primary School, Beverley Hills Primary School and Donvale Primary School.

The submitted boards will be exhibited in the centre outside of the Bank of Melbourne from Sunday, 19 May to Sunday, 2 June; locals are encouraged to come in and cast a vote for their favourite.

Stockland The Pines is located in one of Melbourne’s strong socio-economic trade areas. The retail mix includes Coles, ALDI, Woolworths, Kmart and over 100 specialty stores. The centre is well regarded within the community for its high level of convenience, complemented by representation from the major banks, Australia Post, a medical clinic and a 250-seat food precinct.