Catholic schools from the Diocese of Wollongong were invited to take part in The Christmas Story 2018, a visual arts exhibition and competition for children in Years 5 and 6. 

More than 1000 students entered the competition, and just 50 of them were selected to exhibit their pieces. 

St Peter and Paul Year 5 student Leo Wallace-Pannell won two of the four major awards, CatholicCare's 'Star of Hope' award and the Students' Choice Award, for his piece ‘Overjoyed’. 

Leo, inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, said his artwork depicted the Three Wisemen spotting the Star of Bethlehem. 

“I was really struck by [Vincent Van Gogh’s] Toil Today Dream Tonight,” he said. 

“I used very bold and brave colours which helps to give you that sense of joy and happiness.” 

Leo is slightly colourblind, which contributed to his choices of colour and style. 

“I just get a bit confused with colours,” he said. “I think that helped me to use bold colours that really stand out.” 

Leo, and St Michael’s Year 6 student Lola Lochrin were both picked as finalists to progress to Sydney Archdiocese Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition at Notre Dame later in the year. 

“I was very excited,” Leo said. “I wanted to grab my award and start doing what the wisemen were doing- dancing.”

St Peter and Paul students Bronte Herft and Oren Petersen also featured in the exhibition, with Bronte receiving a highly commended award. 

The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong Christmas Story Art Exhibition will be open to family, friends and the public from September 24-26 during the hours of 12.30pm and 4.30pm, at the Xavier Centre, 38 Harbour Street Wollongong.