A large crowd attended the annual Toorloo Arm Primary School Art and Writers Festival at the school last week.

The Arts and Writers Festival, a long-standing event at the school, recognises and celebrates all students’ creative work with winners and runners-up being selected by a panel of external judges.

School principal, Kerry Hughes, congratulated all students for the standard of work entered this year.

“The festival is a wonderful way to celebrate the students’ work. It provides a perfect opportunity for students to see their work being enjoyed by family members and the wider community,” she said.

“The festival also has great benefits in furthering students’ skills as they see first-hand the appreciation of their efforts by the community.”

This year’s festival began with the shortlisted year 3/4 students coming on stage with the winner and runner-up then announced.

This was followed by a musical performance by the Lakes Entrance Secondary College ensemble, led by music teacher, Michelle Dogger. Three former Toorloo Arm Primary School students, Jade Atkinson, Sophie McKenzie and Amy McKenzie, were members of the group.

All students then shared their stories before the prep, year one and year two shortlisted students were brought on stage and the winners and runners-up announced for each.

A second musical interlude was held with all students in the school presenting their art portfolios to family and community members.

The year 5/6 shortlisted students were the final group presented.

As a finale to the festival, a principal award was given to an outstanding entry and each teacher gave an encouragement award.

PICTURED: Summer, Steven and Amelia Harrison read one of the many amazing stories at Toorloo Arm Primary School’s annual Art and Writers Festival last week.