Art surprise inspires student creativity

By Daniel Briggs

Sep 24, 2024

Laurie Nelson with the students from 1/2CB and one of her works at Deni North School.

Each morning, some young students at Deniliquin North Public School are greeted by an amazing surprise, thanks to their incredibly talented cleaner.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Using a vacuum and a bit of creativity each night, Laurie Nelson transforms the rug in the Year 1/2 classroom into stunning works of art.

They have caught the attention of staff and student alike - and last week the NSW Department of Education, which shared the story on its Facebook page.

Classroom teacher Carly Crothers said the school’s P&C purchased the memory foam mat for her 1/2CB classroom.

Staff initially intended students would use the mat as a centralised spot to sit and meet for lesson time, which they do.

But Mrs Crothers noticed that before beginning her class every day, students would be gathered around the memory foam mat in amazement.

The art left behind has included a landscape complete with a setting sun, terrifying sharks and a galloping horse.

Leaving these small pieces for the students each morning feeds in to the NSW Department of Education’s current motto of ‘love where you learn’.

Laurie’s art creates an environment conducive to student engagement, and an environment where being creativity is valued.

By Daniel Briggs