Preschooler takes home top prize

Mazal tov to Emanuel School preschooler Lexi Kalinko, who came first in the Australia division – 4-5 years category – of the Happy HabitART Competition for ‘Be the Future’.

Children in 14 countries were asked to create a drawing of the coral reef of their dreams. Their works were judged according to the artwork’s creativity, how the artist used shape and colour together, as well as the biodiversity of the corals, plants and animals that were included.

Lexi, who is in the Dolphins Group at Kornmehl Centre Emanuel Pre-school, shared the thought process behind her award-winning artwork:

“I thought about what to draw and I drew lots of fish, a turtle, sea grass, and a kind of clown fish and seaweed,” she said.

“The clown fish is hiding away because a shark is about to come and he is scared so he has to hide. The turtle is swimming in the coral reef. People need to swim and keep their legs up and not on the coral because otherwise your feet can get sore and break the coral. The coral is real and we need to look after it. The person is checking if the coral is healthy.”

Director of Kornmehl Pre-school Terry Aizen commented on Lexi’s strong interest in the creative arts and her eye for colour and details.

“This is evident in her representation of the coral reef, as well as her understanding of the need to preserve and protect the coral for the future of our planet,” Aizen said.

“We are thrilled that her creativity has been acknowledged in this competition.”

Principal of Emanuel School Andrew Watt was delighted with the outcome of Lexi’s efforts.

“We are so proud of Lexi,” he said.

“Her artwork showcases the natural beauty of and diversity within our coral reef. I thank the dedicated Kornmehl educators for encouraging Lexi’s creativity and self-expression.”

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