St Patrick’s Primary School students have taken out the Best Learning Journal prize in Dairy Australia’s Picasso Cows program.
The national program is an education initiative that invites students to create a creative cow design while learning about dairy.
Through the program, schools are provided with a blank fibreglass cow, which is almost life size, to design and decorate.
Students are also asked to update a learning journal, where they document all they’ve learnt about the Australian dairy industry through the suite of free, curriculum-linked resources the program provides schools.
This year, 51 schools participated in the first round of the program, which is in its 10th year.
St Patrick’s Primary School students, who were recognised for their outstanding learning journals, created a cow named Mrs Milkcowke, whose design guided viewers through an interactive journey using pictures and QR codes.
For the students’ achievement, the school received a $1000 cash prize.
The top honour was achieved by Hahndorf Primary School in South Australia, while the Best Cow Design category was awarded to Ajuga School in NSW.
Beyond the prizes, the program gives students the chance to make learning about dairy tangible, connecting classroom lessons with practical activities that explore how milk is produced, processed and enjoyed.
Students explored dairy in different ways, with St Patrick’s Primary School joining a webinar with dairy farmer Harry about life on a farm.
Since launching in 2007, Picasso Cows has reached more than 150,000 students across Australia.
“At its heart, Picasso Cows is about helping the next generation understand where their food comes from,” Dairy Australia schools engagement advisor Louise Macdonald said.
“It touches on so many areas of the national curriculum and invites students to engage in practical, hands-on learning in a creative and collaborative way.”
Thus year’s entries were judged by educators and Dairy Australia farmer ambassadors Rachel Nicholson and Narelle Zanker, alongside Gardiner Foundation people and community development project co-ordinator Ashley Rosewarne.
Judges assessed entries for creativity, originality and enthusiasm for learning about dairy.
“The imagination and effort all students put into their cows was incredible,” Ms Nicholson said.
Ms Zanker said the learning journals showed outstanding curiosity, reflection and meaningful learning about dairy nutrition.
“Students were asking thoughtful questions, reflecting on what they discovered and showing a genuine interest in where their food comes from,” she said.
“That sort of engagement is exactly what helps build a stronger understanding of agriculture and dairy farming.”
The next round of Picasso Cows is under way, with winners to be announced in early November.
For more information, visit dairy.com.au/education/teachers/picasso-cows
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