Year 5 Students Showcase their Interpretations of the Holy Spirit
Year 5 students recently undertook a unique project where they were tasked with creating artworks that symbolise the Holy Spirit. This creative endeavour required them to not only produce visual representations but also to write rationales explaining the connection between their artwork and the Holy Spirit.
The objective was to illustrate how the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to emulate the actions of Jesus. Students worked diligently on their art pieces at home for several weeks before finalising their written responses and art statements in class. The culmination of their efforts transformed each classroom into a stunning art gallery, allowing the girls to present their interpretations alongside their written explanations.
Year 5 teacher Lindsey Fitzgerald says, “What I love about this creative challenge is seeing each individual student interpret the Holy Spirit and what it means to them.”
Lindsey adds, “This year, we had a range of different mediums, from canvas paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows, flip books and even a pair of trainers to symbolise walking in the footsteps of Jesus. In their written statements, it was clear how they made connections with how the strength of the Holy Spirit is a way of guiding us to be better in the world God created, and what might happen if people ignore these gifts.”
Here is what some of the students thought.
Sierra 5.2
What did you enjoy about this Religion assessment?
“I enjoyed how I got to create my own artwork and use watercolour pencils for my interpretation of the Holy Spirit. I liked naming my artwork and also how I got to describe the colours I used in my art statement.”
Claudia 5.3
What did you choose to create to represent the Holy Spirit and why?
I chose to create a stained-glass window with a dove in the middle as you may have seen in the church or at our school chapel. I created this because when Jesus was being baptised, he saw heavens open above him in the shape of a dove and it is descending on him. The colour red, orange, and yellow represent a flame that was shown above the disciple’s heads when they received the holy spirit. The colour blue represents a cloud which are life giving water and they represent God who is hidden from sight but is always there in spirit.
Ruby 5.4
What have you learned about the strength of the Holy Spirit?
I have learnt that the Holy Spirit strengthens us because it makes us a better person, it encourages us to follow the word of God and be a follower of Jesus.
Tilly 5.5
What message did you want your audience to take away about the Holy Spirit to use in their own life?
I wanted my audience to think about their actions and remember to use the fruits. It is important to be guided by God and Jesus’ beliefs and to follow Jesus.
The Year 5 Holy Spirit art project was a resounding success, showcasing the students’ creativity and deep understanding of their faith. The students’ written statements highlighted how the Holy Spirit guides and strengthens them, emphasising the importance of these gifts in leading a life inspired by Jesus’ teachings. This project not only allowed students to explore and express their spirituality but also left an impression on those who experienced the exhibition.
- Creativity, Faith, Featured
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.