Artist Deb Balen, Grade 6 sudents Iloa, Grade 5 student Katrina, and aquatic scientist Sheree Marris in front of the Hallam Primary School mosaic.
FORMER Australian of the Year (Victoria) and Victorian-based Aquatic Scientist Sheree Marriss unveiled a mosaic featuring Weedy Sea Dragon at Hallam Primary School last week.
The mural, featuring Victoria’s Marine State Faunal Emblem, designed by lead-light and mosaic artist Deb Balen, was the brainchild of principal Julie Macfarlane.
Staff and students from Prep to Year 6 smashed colourful tiles and glued them together to create the mosaic featuring a vibrant underwater scene of Weedy and his pals jellyfish and sparkling pearly pink coral.
Primary Wellbeing officer Shirley Fletcher said students thoroughly enjoyed the project which educated them about endangered marine life.
“Seadragons are endangered and protected by law,” she said. “Weedy, as he is affectionately known, is native to the waters of Victoria. Our students have researched this creature to learn more about one of our state emblems.”
Ms Fletcher said 300 students and 150 parents and guests were at the school to watch the unveiling of the mosaic that was funded by the school council.
