Artist Linda Lord recently taught the school silk screening skills, after being inspired by a visit to Tanja by gardening guru and television presenter Costa Georgiadis.

She said the project was also based on the premise that “from a simple footprint in the sand or hand print on a rock wall, humans have wanted to leave their mark”.

“In the introduction to this unit of work we discussed the importance of printmaking and its impact on society,” Ms Lord said.

“They learned how early technology allowed images and text to be mass produced cheaply so that many people could benefit, rather than an exclusive few. 

“We also looked at how more recently computer technology and graphics programs have made it easy for the average person to publish or design online.”

She said while silkscreen printing is no longer a viable form of printing for mass production, artists have utilised its unique qualities since the 1930's, and it continues in popularity in many artists studios and cottage industries.

“Students brainstormed the many applications of printing including advertising and particularly textiles,” Ms Lord said.

“For this project students designed an image based on megaflora which they had been studying in class.”

Students were split into two groups each group working for an hour over seven weeks.

“They were required to individually cut a stencil for each colour and then worked cooperatively to produce the prints.

“I was amazed at how willing they were to step in and assist each other and it was a delight to see their eyes light up as they saw the images they created transform the fabric they were working on.”

This term, local resident Kathleen McCann has been passing on her knowledge of permaculture garden, and teacher assistant Liz Paterson-Wheeler has helped pupils create delicious culinary dishes through their weekly cooking program using food from the school garden.